Wyndham RC 11 March 2022 – R8 – Chris Johnson

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 8 the Les Frisby Contracting/Titiroa Transport, Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr John Oatham lodged an Information A16044, alleging Mr C Johnson (BENNY LINCOLN) stuck his mount in four consecutive strides over the concluding stages.

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

Mr Johnson was present at the hearing and confirmed he understood the Rule and he also confirmed that he admitted the breach.

Mr Oatham asked Miss Algar Stipendiary Steward, to show the video footage of the incident where she highlighted Mr Johnson using his whip in four consecutive strides close to the winning post. It was noted that BENNY LINCOLN went on to finish second in the race.

Mr Johnson simply stated when asked, that he went back to his old ways and confirmed that he had made an error of judgement.

Decision:

As the Respondent Mr Johnson admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee find the breach proved. (Rule915(1)(d) refers).

Submissions For Penalty:

Mr Oatham produced the Respondent’s record which indicated three previous breaches of the Rule (24/9/2021) (3 strides $170 fine at Gore), (21/10/2021) (4 strides $500 at Wingatui) and (5/1/2022) ( 2 strides $500 at Reefton).

Mr Oatham stated that the new Guidelines had come into place on the 1/3/2022 where a five day national riding  suspension was for a fourth offence.

Mr Oatham suggested a six national riding day suspension may be appropriate in this instance.

Mr Johnson had no submissions on penalty except that he sought a deferment under the Rule.

Reasons for penalty:

After considering the film evidence, the submissions and having due regard for the number of consecutive strikes as well as the Respondent’s record under this Rule, a starting point of five national riding days suspension was uplifted to six national riding days.

Mr Johnson is an extremely experienced Jockey and does on some occasions ride at the higher stakes placing meetings in the Northern regions. This was confirmed by Mr Oatham.

Conclusion:

Mr Johnson is suspended for six national riding days. The deferment of penalty is approved, Mr Johnson’s suspension commences at the conclusion of racing on the 21st of March 2022 up to the conclusion of racing on the 2nd of April 2022.