Whangarei RC 7 August 2021 – R1 – Sam Spratt

ID: RIB3966

Respondent(s):
Sam Spratt - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr M Williamson - Senior Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Hon J W Gendall QC - Chair, Mr B Scott - Member

Persons Present:
Mr M Williamson, Mr A Dooley - Stipendiary Steward, Ms L Selvakumaran - Stipendiary Steward, Ms S Spratt - Respondent

Information Number:
A16302

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive use of whip

Rule(s):
638(3)(b)(ii) - Contravention whip rule

Plea:
Admitted

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
07/08/2021

Race Club:
Whangarei Racing Club

Race Location:
Ruakaka Racecourse - Peter Snell Road, Ruakaka, 0151

Race Number:
R1

Hearing Date:
07/08/2021

Hearing Location:
Ruakaka

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Sam Spratt is fined $500

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 1, the Use Tab App At Track 1600m, Mr Williamson lodged an Information charging Ms Spratt with excessive use of the whip on her mount BRING IT ON, in breach of Rule 638(3)(b)(ii).

SUBMISSIONS:

Mr Dooley identified the circumstances of the breach from his analysis of the race films.  Between the 300 and 100 metre marks, whilst leading, Ms Spratt applied her whip by 7 (almost 8) strikes.   All Riders had been warned before the first race that if the 5 strikes, prior to the 100 metre mark guide was breached, charges would follow, rather than warnings.

REASON FOR DECISION:

Ms Spratt admitted the breach and the charge is therefore found proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Ms Spratt had breached this Rule within the past 6 months on 27 March 2021 at Hororata, for which she was fined $300.  The Penalty Guide fixes a starting point at a $500 fine for a second breach.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

We are not able to discern any mitigating or aggravating factors so as to require any adjustment – higher or lower.

Mr Williamson did not suggest that anything other than the Guide was required.  We agree.

CONCLUSIONS:

Ms Spratt is fined $500.

Decision Date: 07/08/2021

Publish Date: 09/08/2021