Wellington RC - 26 September 2010 - R 7

RACEDAY JUDICIAL COMMITTEE DECISION

Informant:  Mr N Goodwin, Stipendiary Steward

Defendant:  Mr S Doyle Licensed Jockey

Information No:  5254

Meeting:  Wellington Racing Club

Date:  26 September 2010

Venue:  Trentham

Race:  7

Rule No:  638 (2)

Judicial Committee:  Paul Williams, Chairman – Tangi Utikere, Committee Member 

Plea:  Admitted

CHARGE

Following the running of Race 7, Information 5254 was filed by Stipendiary Steward Mr N Goodwin under Rule 638 (2).  The information stated that “S Doyle the rider of ‘Volkswagin’ gave a salute prior to the winning post”.

Rule 638(2) states “A rider shall not make a celebratory gesture prior to his horse passing the winning post”.

Mr Doyle indicated the breach of the rule was admitted and also that he understood the charge and the rule it was laid under.  As the breach of the rule was admitted the charge was found to be proven.

FACTS

Mr Goodwin used the films to show Mr Doyle performing a celebratory gesture on his mount ‘Volkswagin’, two strides before the post.  Mr Doyle had no comments to make on his actions.

SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY

Mr Goodwin submitted that while this offending was at the lower end of the scale, it was important for the rule to be consistently applied across all riders. Mr Goodwin submitted a fine in the region of $150 was an appropriate penalty.

Mr Doyle had no submissions on penalty, stating that the films clearly indicated what had happened.

REASONS

The Committee reviewed the film of the incident referred to and considered the submissions of all parties.  It accepted that the offending was at the lower end of the scale. Due to Mr Doyle’s good riding record under this rule, his admittance of the breach and the minor level of the offending, the Committee was of the view that a fine would be an appropriate penalty.

DECISION

The Committee fined Mr Doyle the sum of $150.