Auckland TR 1 November 2022 – R7 – Matthew Cropp

Evidence

Following the running of Race 7, the Respondent (M Cropp) Rider, admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.

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, Chief Stipendiary Steward John Oatham demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 7 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.

Mr Cropp made no comment in regard to the incident.

Decision

As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).

Submissions For Penalty

Mr Oatham produced the Respondent’s (M Cropp) record, which indicated 1 previous breach of the Whip Rules. Mr Oatham advised that the breach had occurred in a Group 3 Race.

Mr Cropp had nothing to add in relation to penalty.

Reasons For Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is set out below.

2 strikes over 2nd breach $500

Due to the fact that this breach occurred in a black type race, an uplift of $50 has been applied to the penalty.

On that basis the Respondent is fined $550.

Conclusion

Mr Cropp is fined $550.