Foxton RC - 22 July 2010 - R 6

RACEDAY JUDICIAL COMMITTEE DECISION

Informant:  Mr R. Neal  Stipendiary Steward

Defendant:  Miss V. Johnston

Information:  65021

Meeting:  Foxton RC

Date:  22 July 2010

Venue:  Foxton

Race: 6

Rule:  638 (3) (b)

Judicial Committee: T. W. Castles, Chairman - P. Williams, Committee Member

Facts:

Miss V. Johnston admitted a breach of rule 638 (3) (b) in that she used her whip excessively prior to the 200 metres.  As the charge was admitted and Miss Johnston confirmed her understanding of the rule, submissions on penalty were called for.

Submissions:

Mr. Neal showed the video of the incident informing the committee Miss Johnston’s use of the whip was outside the guidelines.  He estimated her mount was struck 11 times prior to the 200 metre mark.  He believed Miss Johnston was taking steps to rectify her riding style as she had been charged and fined $200 for a breach of the rule on the 01/05/2010 at Wellington.

Miss Johnston in her submission on penalty told the committee she was aware her riding style had to be addressed.  The difficulty was she had been criticized for not being vigorous enough by some trainers but did confirm her actions in this case were outside the guidelines.

Reasons:

The committee took into account Miss. Johnston's admittance that she was, in her words, working on the problem.  It was pointed out to her the guidelines are there to protect all parties.

Penalty:

Miss Johnston was fined the sum of $250.00.

T.W. Castles

Chairman

65021