Wellington RC 16 March 2024 – R6 – Masa Hashizume

Following the running of Race 6, the Respondent Rider, Mr M Hashizume admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use 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); or

Using the available Race films Mr Goodwin demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 7 times from the straight entrance to the 100 metre mark.

Mr Oatham showed Mr Hashizume using the whip 4 times with his right hand before switching to his left hand for 2 strikes then back to his right hand for a further strike.

Mr Hashizume confirmed he had used the whip 7 times in total.

Decision

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

Submissions For Penalty

Mr Oatham said this was Mr Hashizume’s 2nd breach, it was a Group 3 race, and submitted  a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for excessive whip use (as of Februray 2023).

The Respondent’s share of the stake was $1110.

Reasons For Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature, being a 2nd offence and 2 strikes over,  is a $500 fine.  For black-type races the starting point for a fine is an amount equal to 50% of the Jockey’s share.

After considering the film evidence, the submissions and having due regard for the number and frequency of strikes, the Adjudicative Committee determined there are no  compelling reasons to depart from the starting point set out in the Penalty Guide.

On that basis the Respondent is fined half of his stakes earned.

Conclusion

Mr Hashizume is fined $550.