Wellington RC 12 April 2025 – R8 – Lily Sutherland

ID: RIB53910

Respondent(s):
Lily Sutherland - Apprentice 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, Ms L Selvakumaran, and Ms L Sutherland assisted by Ms K Clapperton

Information Number:
A17618

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Consecutive whip use

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
SLIPPER ISLAND

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
12/04/2025

Race Club:
Wellington Racing Club

Race Location:
Trentham - 10 Racecourse Rd, Upper Hutt, 5018

Race Number:
R8

Hearing Date:
12/04/2025

Hearing Location:
Trentham Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Lily Sutherland is fined $1,150

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 8 the “CITY OF NAPIER SPRINT”, Mr Goodwin presented an Information charging Ms Sutherland with a breach of the Whip Rule 638(3)(g)(ii) in that she struck her mount “SLIPPER ISLAND” with the whip in 2 consecutive strides over the concluding stages of the race.

Ms Sutherland admitted the breach of the Rule.

The race films depicted Ms Sutherland’s mount “SLIPPER ISLAND” leading over the last 100 metres.  It’s margin was substantially narrowed by “PIER” (ridden by M McNab).  Ms Sutherland rode vigorously and properly, to repel the challenge, but just short of the winning post, used the whip in 2 consecutive strides.  Her mount held on to win by a very small nose margin.

Decision:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Ms Jillings advised that this was the 3rd breach of the Whip Rule by Ms Sutherland over 12 months.  Ms Clapperton and Ms Sutherland did not make any submissions.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Penalty Guide provides a starting point fine of $300 for a 3rd breach.  But this was a Listed (Black Type) Race, which Ms Sutherland’s mount won, to earn a stake of $46,000, with her riding percentage being $2,300.  A fine equivalent to 50% of that fee is required.

Conclusion:

Accordingly, Ms Sutherland is fined $1,150.

Decision Date: 12/04/2025

Publish Date: 15/04/2025