Wellington RC 24 October 2021 – R8 (heard 29 October at Hawera) – Mereana Hudson

ID: RIB5548

Respondent(s):
Mereana Hudson - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr N Goodwin - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Bruce Mainwaring

Persons Present:
Mr N Goodwin, Mr K Coppins (Stipendiary Steward), Ms M Hudson

Information Number:
A15512

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive Use of the Whip

Rule(s):
638(3)(g)(i) - Contravention whip rule

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
Hermes

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
24/10/2021

Race Club:
Wellington Racing Club

Race Location:
Trentham - 10 Racecourse Rd, Upper Hutt, 5018

Race Number:
R8

Hearing Date:
29/10/2021

Hearing Location:
Hawera Racecourse -Wahi Road Hawera

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Mereana Hudson fined $250

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

The Information alleged … that M Hudson used her whip excessively prior to the 100 metres.

The hearing of the charge was held over from race day. At the outset of the hearing Ms Hudson confirmed to the Committee that she understood the Rule and  admitted the breach.

Mr Goodwin presented film of the race.  Ms Hudson is seen to strike her mount (Hermes) on 6 occasions between the 400 metre and 100 metre mark. Hermes finished third in the event.  Ms Hudson did not offer comment when asked.

REASON FOR DECISION:

Ms Hudson admitted the breach, therefore the charge was deemed proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Goodwin referred to the revised Penalty Guidelines for improper whip use effective 1st September 2021. Ms Hudson’s record at hearing date is clear of whip charge penalty.  In this instance Guidelines provide for penalty starting point at the greater of $250 or 50% of Jockey share of stake.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

A breach of the Rule was admitted and demonstrated. The sum of $250 exceeds 50% of Jockey share of stake. Therefore a fine of $250 is adopted.

CONCLUSIONS:

Ms Hudson is fined a sum of $250.

Decision Date: 29/10/2021

Publish Date: 01/11/2021