Wellington RC 20 January 2024 – R4 – Joe Doyle

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 4, Class A Jockey, Joe Doyle, admitted a breach of Rule 638(3)(f)(ii) in that, he used his whip with his arm raised above shoulder height on two occasions when riding LOVE NESST in the final straight.

Rule 638(3) provides as follows:

(f)   Without limiting the generality of subrule 638(3)(e), in a Flat Race or Jumping Race, a trial (including jump-outs and/or tests for certification purposes) a Rider must not use his or her whip:

       (ii)  using an action that raises the Rider’s arm above shoulder height.

EVIDENCE:

Mr Oatham used the videos to show Mr Doyle in a position 3 from the outside of the field. When using the whip in a backhand manner, Mr Doyle raised his whip above the shoulder on 2 occasions.  Mr Doyle had no issue with the charge and explained that the reason for using the whip in this manner, was due to the fact he was racing in tight quarters and was trying not to hit the Rider or horse to his outside.

DECISION:

The breach having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham said Mr Doyle had a clear record under this Rule and his horse was unplaced in the race. Under the Penalty Guide, he said, the starting point for a first offence is a fine of $250.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

This was a clear breach of the Rule involving a whip action on two occasions when the Respondent clearly raised his arm above shoulder height. The RIB Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide (February 2023) provides a starting point for a first breach of a $250 fine.

There are no aggravating or mitigating factors to be considered.

CONCLUSION:

The Respondent, Class A Jockey, Mr Joe Doyle, is fined $250.