Wellington RC 27 October 2024 – R2 – Madan Singh

Evidence

Following the running of Race 2, the Respondent Rider Mr M Singh defended a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.

Using the available race films, Mr Coppins demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 8 times up to the 100-metre mark.

While Mr Singh agreed that he had used the whip 8 times prior to the 100m, he defended the charge. This was due to himself and other Riders’ misunderstanding of the exceptions to this Rule. There are only 2 exceptions, specifically:

(A) a Rider strikes a horse six times prior to the 100-metre mark, provided that the rider does not strike the horse more than four times after the 100-metre mark, (Amended 26 June 2023).

(B) a Rider strikes a horse seven times prior to the 100-metre mark, provided that the rider does not strike the horse more than 3 times after the 100-metre mark, (Amended 26 June 2023).

Reasons for Decision

Mr Singh (and others) had been told that there was a limit of 10 strikes up until the finish, so although he had used his whip 8 times prior to the 100m mark, he believed as long as he only used it 2 more times, he was not in  breach of the Rules. This is not correct.

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).

Decision

The breach was found proved.

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Davidson said Mr Singh had one previous breach within the reset period:

28/6/24: Otaki, 7 strikes, $250

Reasons for Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a 2nd breach with 3 additional strikes is a 5 day suspension.

Mr Singh initially won the race by a small margin, but was relegated following interference. While this would typically justify an increased penalty, the Adjudicative Committee exercised leniency due to Mr Singh’s apparent misunderstanding of the Rule, and no uplift was applied. Although it is ultimately the Rider’s responsibility to be familiar with and adhere to Racing Regulations, it was noted that some Riders, including Mr Singh, may have received incorrect advice in this situation.

As this is the Respondent’s 2nd breach and 8 strikes, a suspension of 5 days is imposed. Mr Singh advised of riding commitments through until November 3rd.

Conclusion

Mr Singh’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 5 days, from close of racing on November 3rd, until close of racing on November 10th, 2024.