Winton JC 10 October 2021 – R5 – Samantha Wynne

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

At the conclusion of Race 5  the Commercial Hotel Winton & Country Jewel Winton Cup 1400, Stipendiary Steward Mr M Davidson lodged an Information A15870 alleging that Miss S Wynne used her whip in 2 consecutive strides on her mount Firoden 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 several video clips to highlight the concluding stages of the race which showed Firoden finishing quickly into 3rd placing and subsequently 2nd placing after a request for a ruling to the original 2nd place horse in the race.

Mr Davidson highlighted Miss Wynne using her whip in 2 consecutive strides from about 25m to the winning post.

Miss Wynne agreed with Mr Davidson’s submission and the shown video clips. She pointed out that Firoden had finished the race off very quickly and she had ridden the horse out accordingly.

REASON FOR DECISION:

As Miss Wynne admitted the charge it was found proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Davidson stated that Miss Wynne had been charged in the previous race at today’s meeting and was fined the sum of $300 after having previously been charged under the same Rule on 2/10/21 at Riccarton and being fined $150.

Mr Davidson stated that the NZTR Penalty Guidelines for breaches of the Whip Rule regarding consecutive strikes was for a third offence the greater of the $500 fine or 50% of Jockey share of the stake. In this case the 2nd placing of Firoden and the value of the Jockey share of the stake did not apply.

Mr Davidson recommended a fine of $500 would be appropriate in this instance.

Miss Wynne repeated her earlier frustration from the previous hearing regarding the severity of the Rule and its financial implications. She reiterated that she was having great difficulty adjusting to the Rule and that she was doing the best she could by the horse and it’s owners to secure a placing.

Miss Wynne requested that more time should be given for Jockeys to adjust to the new Rule particularly as it has only been implemented since 1/9/21 and South Island Jockeys in particular were getting less opportunities to adjust, with less race days.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicator took into account Miss Wynne’s comments and her open and honest admittance of the breach however the aggravating factors were very compelling and this was now her 3rd breach of the Rule in a very short timeframe.

CONCLUSIONS:

Miss Wynne was fined the sum of $500 and further reminded from the previous breach on the day that she simply must address her riding style and action in accordance with the Rule. Animal Welfare is extremely important to the Industry and Miss Wynne was reminded again of her obligations regarding this matter.