Wellington RC 15 July 2023 – R4 – Dean Parker

Evidence

Following the running of Race 4, the Respondent Mr Dean Parker, Rider, admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.

Rule 638(3)(h) provides that:

(h) Subject to the other requirements this Rule 638(3), in a Jumping Race or trial (including jump-outs and/or tests for certification purposes), a Rider must not:
(i) strike a horse with a whip more than 10 times prior to the 100-metre mark (other than in a slapping motion down the shoulder with the whip hand remaining on the reins); 

Using the available race films, the Stewards demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 16 times from just prior to the 800 metres, to the 100-metre mark.

Mr Parker agreed with the number as counted by the Stewards.

Decision

As Mr Parker admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions For Penalty

Mr Oatham said this was a first offence breach for Mr  Parker and submitted that a penalty in line with the current Penalty Guidelines would be appropriate. He said the race was a Prestige Jumping Race and Mr Parker finished 2nd, with his share of the stake being $1387.50.

Mr Parker made no specific submissions on penalty.

Reasons For Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a first breach when 4+ strikes over, is a suspension of 1 raceday. In addition, the Penalty Guide offers:

• In all breaches of the Whip Rules in any Prestige Jumping race the starting point for a fine will be an amount equal to 50% of the Jockey’s share of the stake earned by their mount and may be in addition to any suspension imposed as above.

After considering the film evidence, the submissions and having due regard for the number and frequency of strikes; the force used; and the Respondent’s share of stake and the status of the race, the Adjudicative Committee determined that a suspension of 1 day and a fine of $700 was appropriate.

Conclusion

Mr Parker’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 1 day, with that day being the next day on the racing calendar to schedule jumps races – Saturday July 29th at Te Rapa.

In addition, a fine of $700 is imposed.