Wanganui JC 29 December 2024 – R1 – Marc Lerner

ID: RIB49982

Respondent(s):
Marc Lerner - Jockey

Applicant:
N Goodwin - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
N Moffatt

Persons Present:
Mr Neil Goodwin - Stipendiary Steward, Mr K Coppins, Mr M Lerner

Information Number:
A 17775

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Whip above shoulder height

Rule(s):
638(3)(f)(ii) - Contravention whip rule

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
SOL DE OTONO

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
29/12/2024

Race Club:
Wanganui Jockey Club

Race Location:
Wanganui Racecourse - 19 Purnell Street, Whanganui, 4500

Race Number:
R1

Hearing Date:
29/12/2024

Hearing Location:
Whanganui Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Marc Lerner is fined $350

Following the running of Race 1, Mr Lerner admitted a breach of Rule 638(3)(f)(ii)  in that he used his whip with arm above shoulder height in the final straight on his mount SOL DE OTONO.

Rule 638(3)(f)(ii) provides:

(f) A Rider must not use his or her whip:

(ii) using an action that raises the Rider’s arm above shoulder height.

Evidence:

Using the paused head-on film, the Stewards showed Mr Lerner with his right arm raised high, holding the whip, shortly after entering the home straight. This action contravenes the Rule prohibiting the use of the whip above shoulder height.

Mr Lerner expressed his sincere commitment to adhering to the Rules and emphasised that he is making concerted efforts to adjust his riding style.

Decision:

As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee found the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Goodwin said this was Mr Lerner’s 3rd breach since he started riding in New Zealand 2 weeks ago.

Reasons for Penalty:

Mr Lerner’s frustration at again breaching this Rule is evident. The pattern of his breaches is consistent.  As he enters the home straight, caught up in the competition, he momentarily reverts to his previous riding style from Singapore, raising his arm high for a single strike. It’s encouraging to note that following this initial lapse, Mr Lerner quickly corrects his technique and adheres to the New Zealand Whip Guidelines for the remainder of the race.

The Adjudicative Committee recognises that Mr Lerner is genuinely committed to conforming to New Zealand’s racing standards. However, given that this is his third breach, an increase from the standard $250 starting point for penalties is necessary.

Conclusion:

After careful consideration, the Adjudicative Committee has determined that an uplift to $350 is appropriate in this case.

Decision Date: 29/12/2024

Publish Date: 30/12/2024