Waikato TR 13 April 2025 – R7 – Tayla Mitchell
ID: RIB53794
Animal Name:
BUTTERFIELD
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
13/04/2025
Race Club:
Waikato Thoroughbred Racing
Race Location:
Te Rapa Racecourse - Te Rapa Road, Hamilton, 3200
Race Number:
R7
Hearing Date:
13/04/2025
Hearing Location:
Te Rapa
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Rider Tayla Mitchell is suspended for 6 days
Background
Following the running of Race 7, the Respondent, Apprentice Rider Ms Tayla Mitchell, admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.
Ms Mitchell was assisted at the hearing by Class A Rider Ms T Newman.
The Information alleged that Ms Mitchell struck her mount BUTTERFIELD 8 times prior to the 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);
Evidence
Using the available race films, Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr J Oatham identified BUTTERFIELD, ridden by Ms Mitchell, racing outside the leader into the home straight. He demonstrated that Ms Mitchell struck her mount 8 times, from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.
Mr Oatham advised that BUTTERFIELD finished in third place.
Ms Mitchell agreed with the number of strikes and said that the breach “is evident on the films”. She had nothing further to add.
Decision
As Ms Mitchell admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.
Submissions for Penalty
Mr Oatham advised that this is Ms Mitchell’s fourth breach of the Whip Rule within the reset period. Previous breaches include:
30/11/24 – 6 day suspension
14/12/24 – 4 day suspension plus a $1,000 fine
01/01/25 – 8 day suspension
The above breaches occurred in Black Type Races.
Mr Oatham submitted that for a fourth breach, the Penalty Guide provides a starting point penalty of a 5 plus day suspension and recommended that a suspension of not less than 6 days be imposed.
Ms Mitchell is due to commence another suspension (incurred on 05/04/25), which will conclude after racing on 21 April 2025.
Ms Mitchell had nothing to add in terms of any proposed suspension, other than pointing out that a further suspension, will have a financial impact on her.
Reasons for Penalty
The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is a 5-plus day suspension. In view of Ms Mitchell’s poor record with regards to whip breaches, a 6-day suspension was adopted as the starting point. There were no particular aggravating or mitigating factors to consider, and on that basis, a 6-day suspension was imposed.
The Adjudicative Committee raised the issue of whether Ms Mitchell would benefit from a referral to the Riders Skills Panel. The Adjudicative Committee was told that Mr Harris (Northern Rider Mentor) is assisting Ms Mitchell and that although this is her fourth whip breach within the reset period, she is showing signs of improvement.
Conclusion
Ms Mitchell’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 6 days, commencing after racing on 21 April 2025 and concluding after racing on 1 May 2025.
Decision Date: 13/04/2025
Publish Date: 15/04/2025