Wellington RC 11 January 2025 – R4 – Sam Weatherley
ID: RIB50535
Animal Name:
ABBAKISS
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
11/01/2025
Race Club:
Wellington Racing Club
Race Location:
Trentham - 10 Racecourse Rd, Upper Hutt, 5018
Race Number:
R4
Hearing Date:
11/01/2025
Hearing Location:
Trentham Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Sam Weatherley is suspended for 2 days and fined $500
Evidence
Following the running of Race 4, the Listed Star Group Wellesley Stakes, Mr Weatherley admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres. The Information alleged that he struck his mount ABBAKISS 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); where it shall not be a contravention of this Rule if
(B) a Rider strikes a horse six times prior to the 100 metre mark, provided that the Rider does not strike the horse more than four times after the 100 metre mark.
Using the available race footage, Mr Oatham identified that Mr Weatherley struck his mount six times between the entrance to the straight and the 100 metre mark. An additional six strikes occurred between the 100 metre point and the finish post. The mount of Mr Weatherley ran 2nd in the race.
Decision
As Mr Weatherley admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.
Submissions for Penalty
Mr Oatham produced Mr Weatherley’s record, which indicated this was his 4th breach of the Rule within the last six months. The previous were noted as follows:
12/10/2024 – 7 strikes, $500 fine
18/10/2024 – 7 strikes, 5 day suspension
21/12/24 – 6 strikes, $750
Stewards submitted a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for excessive whip use (as of March 2024). Mr Oatham suggested the Adjudicative Committee could consider an uplift, due to the Listed status of the race, but pointed out Mr Weatherley was using the whip in a backhand action and with little vigour.
Mr Weatherley said he was probably trying too hard to win the race. He expressed doubt that the frequency of his whip use improved his chances, suggesting it might have even hindered his progress. In case of suspension, he advised of riding commitments through until Saturday January 18th.
Reasons for Penalty
The Penalty Guide stipulates a starting point of a 2-day suspension and a $500 fine for a 4th offence involving one strike over the allowed limit. Mr Weatherley comfortably ran second in the race, with 50% of his share amounting to $462. After considering all factors, including Mr Weatherley’s whip technique (backhand action with minimal force), the Adjudicative Committee deemed no uplift was necessary, despite the race’s Listed status.
Conclusion
Mr Weatherley is suspended for two days, from the close of racing on Saturday January 18th, 2025, until the close of racing on Monday January 20th, 2025. In addition, he is fined the sum of $500.
Decision Date: 11/01/2025
Publish Date: 13/01/2025