Winton JC 10 October 2021 – R4 – Samantha Wynne

ID: RIB5179

Respondent(s):
Samantha Wynne - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr M Davidson - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr Nigel Skelt

Persons Present:
Miss R Haley - Stipendiary Steward, Mr N McIntyre - General Manager RIB

Information Number:
A15868

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Using Whip in consecutive strides

Rule(s):
638(3)(g)(ii) - Contravention whip rule - NZTR Improper Whip Use/Consecutive Strikes

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
Cosy Nook

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
10/10/2021

Race Club:
Winton Jockey Club

Race Location:
Ascot Park Raceway - 29 Findlay Road, Ascot, Invercargill, 9810

Race Number:
R4

Hearing Date:
10/10/2021

Hearing Location:
Ascot Park

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Samantha Wynne was fined the sum of $300.

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

After the conclusion of Race 4 The Hyde Landscaping & Trenz Homes MDN 1400 Stipendiary Steward Mr M Davidson lodged an Information 15870 alleging that Miss Wynne the Rider of Cosy Nook used her whip in 2 consecutive strides over the concluding stages.

Miss Wynne was present at the hearing and confirmed she understood the Rule and also confirmed she admitted the breach.

The Rule reads: 638(3)(g)(ii):  A rider must not strike a horse with a whip in consecutive strides in any race.

SUBMISSIONS:

Mr Davidson showed a video replay of the concluding stages of the race. He highlighted Cosy Nook ridden by Miss Wynne running on stylishly in 4th place. He then pointed out Miss Wynne using her whip in 2 consecutive strides short of the line.

Miss Wynne agreed that there was a clear breach of the Rule however she said her horse was finishing at a fast rate and was in a winning position approaching the line. Miss Wynne said she had recently returned from overseas and had not yet adjusted to the new Whip Guidelines.

REASON FOR DECISION:

Miss Wynne has admitted the breach which is found proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Davidson said that Miss Wynne had breached the Rule on one occasion previously on 2/10/21 at Riccarton and was fined the sum of $150 . This second breach was for consecutive strides for which Mr Davidson suggested a fine of $300 may be appropriate.

Miss Wynne believed the $300 fine was excessive for this particular breach and she was of the belief that there should have been a far greater trial period for Jockeys to adjust to the new Rule which had only been implemented on 1/9/21.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicator is sympathetic towards Miss Wynne’s comments regarding the difficulty many Jockeys are facing in adjusting to the new Rule.

Miss Wynne has offended twice in the last 10 days and is clearly having difficulty changing her riding style to adapt to the new Rule.

On this occasion however there has been a clear breach of the Rule.

CONCLUSIONS:

Miss Wynne was fined the sum of $300 and reminded that whilst she was finding the new Rule difficult that she needed to set an example in adjusting to the Rule particularly with animal welfare in mind.

Decision Date: 10/10/2021

Publish Date: 12/10/2021