Wellington RC 13 January 2024 – R6 – Masa Hashizume

Background:

Following the running of Race 6, the Group 1 ‘Cambridge Stud Levin Classic’, Information A16782 was lodged alleging the Respondent Jockey Masa Hashizume struck his mount 7 times prior to the 100 metres.

Mr Hashizume confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee that he understood the Rule and 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 is not 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. Mr Hashizume is seen to strike his mount 7 times prior to the 100 metre-mark and an additional 4 times between the 100 metre mark and the finish line.  Zabmanzor finished 2nd in the race.

Mr Hashizume agreed with the number of strikes.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stewards outlined the Respondent’s clear record as it relates to any breach of this Rule within the last 6 months. Stewards referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current Penalty Guide, in particular, provision for a fine reflecting the status of the race.

Reasons for Penalty:

The breach is clearly identified. The current Penalty Guide provides for a fine of $250 in circumstance of 1st breach – 2 additional strikes. However, the Guide remains specific in requiring that in all breaches of the whip Rules in any Black-Type Race, the starting point for a fine will be an amount equal to 50% of the Jockey’s share of the stake earned, or the starting point on the Whip Rule table, whichever is the greater.  This is calculated to be $2,312, with $2,300 deemed the appropriate penalty.

Conclusion:

Jockey Mr Masa Hashizume is fined a sum of $2,300.