Waikato TR 12 October 2024 – R2 – Sam Weatherley
ID: RIB47204
Animal Name:
SPRING QUEEN
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
12/10/2024
Race Club:
Waikato Thoroughbred Racing
Race Location:
Te Rapa Racecourse - Te Rapa Road, Hamilton, 3200
Race Number:
R2
Hearing Date:
12/10/2024
Hearing Location:
Te Rapa Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Sam Weatherley is fined $500
Evidence
Following the running of Race 2, the Respondent Sam Weatherley admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use in that he struck his mount 7 times prior to the 100 metres, with a further 4 strikes inside the final 100 metres.
Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides that in a Flat Race a Rider must not:
(i) strike a horse with a whip more than 5 times prior to the 100-metre mark (other than in a slapping motion down the shoulder with the whip hand remaining on the reins)
Using the available race footage, Mr Oatham identified Mr Weatherley positioned in the midfield as he approached the bend into the home straight. From that point, until just before the 100-metre mark, Mr Weatherley struck his mount seven times. There was an eighth strike near the 100-metre mark, but due to the camera angle, it was unclear whether it occurred before or after the mark, so Mr Weatherley was given the benefit of the doubt. In total, there were 11 strikes recorded by the finish line.
Mr Weatherley did not contest the number of strikes.
Decision
As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.
Submissions for Penalty
Mr Oatham produced Mr Weatherley’s record, which indicated 1 previous breach within the reset period of the last 6 months.
Mr Weatherley made no comment in relation to penalty.
Reasons for Penalty
The Penalty Guide starting point for a 2nd breach, where there are 2 strikes over the 5 strike limit, is a $500 fine.
The Adjudicative Committee did not see any reason to deviate from the Guidelines and imposed a fine of $500.
Conclusion
Mr Weatherley is fined $500.
Decision Date: 12/10/2024
Publish Date: 14/10/2024