Wanganui JC 5 April 2025 – R2 – Harry Grace

ID: RIB53580

Respondent(s):
Harry Grace - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr Neil Goodwin - Senior Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Hon J W Gendall KC (Chair), Mrs N Moffatt

Persons Present:
Mr N Goodwin, Ms K Jillings and Ms L Selvakumaran - Stipendiary Stewards, Mr H Grace

Information Number:
A17615

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive Use of the Whip

Rule(s):
638(3)(g)(i) - Contravention whip rule

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
PACIFIC PRINCESS

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
05/04/2025

Race Club:
Wanganui Jockey Club

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

Race Number:
R2

Hearing Date:
05/04/2025

Hearing Location:
Wanganui Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Harry Grace is suspended for 5 National Riding Days

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 2, Mr Goodwin presented an Information charging Mr Grace with a breach of the Whip Rule 638(3)(g)(i) in that he struck his mount “PACIFIC PRINCESS” with the whip 7 times prior to the 100 metre mark.  As he thereafter struck it 5 times, he could not be given the exemption provided for by the Rules.

Mr Grace admitted the breach.

The race films depicted that Mr Grace, riding vigorously as he should have, was finishing boldly, very wide out, on “PACIFIC PRINCESS” from the 200 metre mark. He struck his mount 7 times before the 100 metre mark and then struck the mount a further 5 times before the winning post, finishing a very close 2nd.

Decision: 

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Goodwin advised that Mr Grace had two previous breaches of the Whip Rule since 29 January 2025, although a warning only was issued on the first occasion.

Mr Grace advised that he would have preferred to be fined, as he had riding engagements in the next 7 days in Australia.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Adjudicative Committee cannot see any reason to depart from the Penalty Guide and Mr Grace’s Licence to ride is suspended for 5 National Riding Days (NZ).

Conclusion:

Mr Grace’s suspension of Licence is to commence after the end of racing on 13 April 2025 and to end after the conclusion of racing on 23 April 2025.  No fine is imposed.

Decision Date: 05/04/2025

Publish Date: 08/04/2025