Wellington RC 25 May 2024 – R5 – Kazuya Asano

ID: RIB42618

Respondent(s):
Kazuya Asano - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr N Goodwin - Senior Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Hon J W Gendall KC (Chair), Mrs N Moffatt

Persons Present:
Mr N Goodwin, Mr A Dooley - Stipendiary Steward, Mr K Asano

Information Number:
A17457

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive use of the whip

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
OPAWA SCARLETT

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
25/05/2024

Race Club:
Wellington Racing Club

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

Race Number:
R5

Hearing Date:
25/05/2024

Hearing Location:
Trentham

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Kazuya Asano is fined $350

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 5, the “Lisa Latta Racing 1300”, Mr N Goodwin presented an Information charging Mr Asano with a breach of the Whip Rule 638(3)(g)(i) in that he struck his mount, “OPAWA SCARLETT” with the whip 7 times prior to the 100 metre mark.

Mr Asano admitted the breach.

The race films depicted Mr Asano’s mount challenging for the lead from the 200 metre mark and being vigorously ridden when struck 7 times with the whip before reaching the 100 metre mark.  “OPAWA SCARLETT” prevailed and went on to win the race by 0.2 of a length, earning a stake of $11,200.

Decision:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Goodwin advised that Mr Asano has had only one warning since October 2023.  Mr Asano accepted he should be subject to a fine.

Reasons for Penalty:

For an offence of 2 strikes over what is permitted, a starting point fine of $250 is adopted, which is increased to reflect some of the riding percentage earned by Mr Asano for winning the race.

Conclusion:

Accordingly, a fine of $350 is imposed.

Decision Date: 25/05/2024

Publish Date: 28/05/2024