Wairarapa RC 3 March 2024 – R1 – Joe Doyle

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 1, the “Hodgkiss Refrigeration 1400”, Mr Goodwin presented an Information charging Mr Doyle with a breach of the Whip Rule 638(3)(g)(i) in that he excessively struck his mount “KICK START” in the home straight by applying 6 strikes prior to the 100 metre mark and 5 strikes thereafter to the finish.

Mr Doyle admitted the breach.

The race films as interpreted by Mr Coppins, disclosed that a total of 11 strikes were applied by Mr Doyle to his mount in the home straight, being 6 strikes before the 100 metre mark and a further 5 strikes thereafter before the finish.  “KICK START” finished second, ½ head from the winner.

Mr Doyle accepted the breach and said it was a minor error of judgment.

Decision:

As the breach was admitted, it was deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Goodwin advised that Mr Doyle had had two previous breaches of this Rule over the last 3 months, and a fine was sought in line with the Penalty Guide.

Mr Doyle accepted he should be fined.

Reasons for Penalty:

Whilst the primary Rule provides that a Rider must not strike his mount more than 5 times prior to the 100 metre mark, there is deemed to be no contraventions of the Rule if there were 6 strikes before the 100 metre point provided that the Rider does not apply more than 4 strikes after that mark.  In this case, there being a total of 11 strikes, the exemption from the application of the subrule does not come into force.  Accordingly, the appropriate penalty for there being one additional strike (and being a 3rd breach in 12 months) was necessary.

Conclusion:

Mr Doyle was fined $500.