Waikato TR 14 April 2024 – R6 – Masa Hashizume

Evidence

Following the running of Race 6, the Respondent Class A Rider Masa Hashizume admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.

The Information alleged that Mr Hashizume struck his mount WILD WEST six 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); or

Using the available race films, Mrs Selvakumaran demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 6 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark and a further five strikes from the 100 metres to the finish – a total of 11 strikes.

Mr Hashizume said that he agreed with the number of strikes.  By way of explanation, he said he was counting his strikes and was aware that he struck his mount 6 times prior to the 100 metre mark, but miscounted the number of strikes over the final 100 metres of the race.

Decision

As Mr Hashizume admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty

Mrs Selvakumaran produced Mr Hashizume’s record, which indicated two previous breaches of the Whip Rule within the reset period, namely:

13 January 2024 – 7 strikes in a G1 Race – fined $2,300

16 March 2024 – 7 strikes in a G2 Race –  fined $550.

Mrs Selvakumaran said that a penalty in line with the Penalty Guidelines would be appropriate, namely a $500 fine.

The Respondent had nothing to add with regard to penalty.

Reasons for Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is a $500 fine.

It is a defence to this Rule, if a Rider strikes a horse six times prior to the 100 metre mark, provided that Rider does not strike the horse more than four times after the 100 metre mark.  On this occasion, Mr Hashizume struck his mount five times after the 100 metres, on that basis the defence to the Rule does not apply.

After considering the film evidence, the submissions and having due regard for the number of strikes, the Adjudicative Committee determined there are no compelling reasons to depart from the starting point set out in the Penalty Guide.

Conclusion

Mr Hashizume is fined $500.