Wellington RC 27 May 2023 – R8 – Temyia Taiaroa

ID: RIB22196

Respondent(s):
Temyia Taiaroa - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
Mr J Oatham

Adjudicators:
Mrs N Moffatt (Chair), Mr N McCutcheon

Persons Present:
Mr P Didham assisting Ms Taiaroa

Information Number:
A17121

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive use whip

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
CARPE DIEM

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
27/05/2023

Race Club:
Wellington Racing Club

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

Race Number:
R8

Hearing Date:
27/05/2023

Hearing Location:
Trentham Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Temyia Taiaroa is suspended for 5 days

Evidence

Following the running of Race 8, the Respondent Ms T Taiaroa admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.

Licensed Trainer, Mr P Didham was present to assist.

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 Oatham demonstrated that Ms Taiaroa struck her mount 8 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.  He pointed out that the strikes were not forceful and a few were down the shoulder.

Ms Tairoa was satisfied that the number of strikes as counted by the Stewards was accurate.

Decision

As Ms Taiaroa admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions For Penalty

Mr Oatham produced Ms Taiaroa’s record which indicated one previous breach of the Rule in the last 6 months, incurred in December last year.

Stewards said although Ms Taiaroa won the race, her whip use was innocuous and used with no great vigour. It was submitted that a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for excessive whip use was appropriate.

Ms Taiaroa advised of riding engagements through until next Saturday at Wanganui, and sought a deferment to any proposed suspension until after that date.

Reasons For Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a 2nd breach of this Rule, when 3 times over the allowed number, is a suspension of 5 national days.

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

On that basis, Ms Taiaroa is suspended for 5 days. Her request for a deferment is granted.

Conclusion

Ms Taiaroa’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 5 days from close of racing on Saturday June 3rd, until close of racing on Saturday June 10th.

Decision Date: 27/05/2023

Publish Date: 29/05/2023