Waikato RC 18 December 2021 – R7 – Niranjan Parmar
ID: RIB6518
Animal Name:
AOTEA LAD
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
18/12/2021
Race Club:
Waikato Racing Club
Race Location:
Te Rapa Racecourse - Te Rapa Road, Hamilton, 3200
Race Number:
R7
Hearing Date:
18/12/2021
Hearing Location:
Te Rapa Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Niranjan Parmar is fined $300
Evidence
Following the running of Race 7, the Respondent, Apprentice Rider Niranjan Parmar admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use on AOTEA LAD prior to the 100 metres.
Apprentice Mentor Mr N Harris was present to assist.
Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides that in a Flat Race a Rider must not:
(i) strike a horse with a whip more than 5 times prior to the 100-metre mark (other than in a slapping motion down the shoulder with the whip hand remaining on the reins); or
Using the available race films Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr Williamson demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 6 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark. He pointed out that the Respondent has an unusual (exaggerated) whip action which gives the impression the strikes are more forceful than they actually are. He counted out the strikes and said the sixth was 30 metres from the 100-metre mark. His mount went on and finished in second place, beaten a nose.
In response, on behalf of the Respondent Mr Harris said he was only one strike over the permissible number and because he was in a position to win the race may have lost count.
Decision
As Mr Parmar admitted the breach the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.
Submissions For Penalty
Mr Williamson said this was the Respondent’s first breach of any of the Whip Rules and submitted that a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for excessive whip use (as of 1 September 2021) would be appropriate.
The Respondent’s share of the stake was $350.
Mr Harris pointed out that Apprentice Riders only receive 50% of stake money.
Reasons For Penalty
The Penalty Guide starting point for a first breach is the greater of a $250 fine or 50% of Jockey share of stake.
After considering the film evidence, the submissions and having due regard for the number and frequency of strikes and the Respondent’s share of stake the Adjudicative Committee determined that a fine of $300 to be appropriate.
Conclusion
The Respondent Mr Parmar is fined $300.
Decision Date: 18/12/2021
Publish Date: 20/12/2021