Whangarei RC 15 July 2023 – R7 – Tayla Mitchell
ID: RIB25336
Animal Name:
DELOREAN
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
15/07/2023
Race Club:
Whangarei Racing Club
Race Location:
Ruakaka Racecourse - Peter Snell Road, Ruakaka, 0151
Race Number:
R7
Hearing Date:
15/07/2023
Hearing Location:
Ruakaka
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Tayla Mitchell is suspended for 5 National Riding Days
Evidence:
Following the running of Race 7, the “ITM/GIB 3YO Winter Championship Final” won by “DELOREAN”, ridden by Ms T Mitchell, Mr Jones presented an Information charging Ms Mitchell with a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(i) (the “Whip Rule”) in that she struck her mount “DELOREAN” 7 times with the whip prior to the 100 metre mark and then 4 times after the last 100 metre mark – that is, 11 times before the finish.
Miss Mitchell admitted the charge.
The race films illustrated that Ms Mitchell was riding aggressively as her mount was in contention to win (as it did) and as a consequence, struck the horse with her whip 7 times prior to the 100 metre mark. Under the present Rule, this may have been permissible but for the 4 strikes from thereafter that occurred. The total of 11 strikes clearly infringed the requirements of the Rule, which Ms Mitchell honestly acknowledged.
Decision:
As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.
Submissions for Penalty:
The Informant advised that Ms Mitchell has a poor record for 5 breaches of the Whip Rule, over the last 6 months.
Ms Mitchell and her assistant, made no submissions as to penalty accepting that a period of suspension had to follow.
Reasons for Penalty:
Whilst Ms Mitchell is presently leading the Apprentice Jockey’s Premiership, and is obviously a very successful Rider, it is aggravating that:
(a)Â she has too often breached the requirements of the Whip Rule.
(b) she, in this case, enabled her mount to win the race. Whilst not a Black Type Race, it was worth a total stakes of $60,000 and she earned a total percentage of $1,725.
The Adjudicative Committee is cognisant of the fact that Ms Mitchell is leading the contest for this season’s Apprentice Premiership, albeit narrowly, and any suspension may inhibit her run over the next month. A period of suspension has to be imposed because of her record and the aggravating factors, but it is fixed so as to enable her to continue to ride on the vital last month end of season dates.
Conclusion:
Accordingly, Ms Mitchell’s Licence to ride is suspended for 5 National Riding Days to commence from the conclusion of racing on 23 July 2023 and to end after the conclusion of racing on 2 August 2023.
Decision Date: 15/07/2023
Publish Date: 18/07/2023