Wellington RC 13 January 2024 – R5 – Lily Sutherland
ID: RIB37652
Animal Name:
Churchillian
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
13/01/2024
Race Club:
Wellington Racing Club
Race Location:
Trentham - 10 Racecourse Rd, Upper Hutt, 5018
Race Number:
R5
Hearing Date:
13/01/2024
Hearing Location:
Trentham Racecourse 10 Racecourse Road Upper Hutt 5018
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Lily Sutherland is fined $1,725
Background:
Following the running of Race 5, the Group 3 ‘Dixon & Dunlop Anniversary Handicap’, Information A16780 was lodged alleging Apprentice Jockey Lily Sutherland struck her mount 7 times prior to the 100 metres.
Ms Sutherland confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee that she understood the Rule and that she admitted the breach.
Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides that a Rider must not:
“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 sub rule where
“a Rider strikes a horse seven times prior to the 100 metre mark, provided that the Rider does not strike the horse more than 3 times after the 100 metre mark”.
Evidence:
Using available film, Stewards identified the incident. Ms Sutherland is seen to strike her mount Churchillian 7 times prior to the 100 metre mark. Additionally, she strikes her mount on 6 occasions between the 100 metre mark and the finish line. Churchillian won the event.
Ms Sutherland agreed with the number of strikes and had nothing further to add.
Decision:
As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.
Submissions for Penalty:
The Respondent’s record, as it relates to a breach of this type, was provided. Within the last 6 months, there was one noted, namely Taranaki RC 27 October 2023 – 6 strikes $250 fine. Mr Oatham referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current Penalty Guide, in particular, provision for penalty in any Black-Type Race. Ms Sutherland did not offer submission in respect of penalty.
Reasons for Penalty:
The incident is clearly identified and admitted. Current Penalty Guidelines provide for a $500 fine in circumstances of a 2nd breach – 2 additional strikes. However, the the Guide remains clear in providing for, in the case of Black-Type Races, a fine equal to 50% of the Jockey’s share of the Stake earned by their mount, or the starting point point on the whip penalty table, whichever is the greater. Application of same, indicates a fine of $1,725, which the Adjudicative Committee deemed an appropriate sanction.
Conclusion:
Apprentice Jockey Lily Sutherland is fined a sum of $1,725.
Decision Date: 13/01/2024
Publish Date: 15/01/2024