Waikato TR 13 April 2025 – R2 – Lily Sutherland
ID: RIB53789
Animal Name:
CELESTIAL WONDER
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
13/04/2025
Race Club:
Waikato Thoroughbred Racing
Race Location:
Te Rapa Racecourse - Te Rapa Road, Hamilton, 3200
Race Number:
R2
Hearing Date:
13/04/2025
Hearing Location:
Te Rapa
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Lily Sutherland was suspended for 6 days
Evidence
Following the running of Race 2, the Respondent Class B Apprentice Rider Lily Sutherland admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres. It was alleged that Ms Sutherland struck her mount CELESTIAL WONDER 9 times prior to the 100 metres.
Ms Sutherland indicated that she admitted the breach and understood the Rule. She did not require a support person to assist her during the hearing. It was pointed out to Ms Sutherland that as an Apprentice Rider, she is entitled to have support present for the purpose of assisting and safeguarding her interests (ref. r916(2)). Ms Sutherland reiterated that she did not wish to have a support person present at the hearing and it proceeded on that basis.
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); or
Using the available race films, Mr Oatham identified CELESTIAL WONDER, who was racing in front on the running rail. He demonstrated that Ms Sutherland struck her mount 9 times, from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark. CELESTIAL WONDER finished in second place.
In response, Ms Sutherland had nothing further to add.
Decision
As Ms Sutherland admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.
Submissions for Penalty
Mr Oatham produced Ms Sutherland’s record, which indicated one previous breach within the rest period, which was for 7 strikes. This occurred in a Group Race on 16 November 2024 and resulted in a $650 fine.
Mr Oatham referred to the Penalty Guide, which indicated a 5-plus day suspension in circumstances where the number of strikes is 4 more than permitted. He also pointed out that Ms Sutherland received a 7 day suspension at the Wellington Meeting on 12 April 2025 and that is due to conclude on 1 May 2025. Mr Oatham suggested that a suspension of not less than 6 days, would be an appropriate starting point penalty.
Ms Sutherland had nothing further to add.
Reasons for Penalty
The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature, is a 5 plus-day suspension. After considering the circumstances, a 6 day suspension was imposed.
Conclusion
Ms Sutherland is suspended for 6 days, commencing after racing on 2 May 2025 and concluding after racing on 11 May 2025.
Decision Date: 13/04/2025
Publish Date: 15/04/2025