Auckland TR 22 March 2023 – R8 – Matthew Cropp

Evidence

Following the running of Race 8, the Respondent Class A Rider Mr Cropp admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use (8 strikes) 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, Stipendiary Steward Mrs Selvakumaran pointed out LORD JIMMY (M Cropp) wide out on the track contesting the lead.  She demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 8 times prior to the 100-metre mark. LORD Jimmy won the race by a narrow margin.

Mr Cropp accepted the number of strikes and had nothing further to add.

Decision

As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions For Penalty

Mrs Selvakumaran produced the Respondent’s record, which indicated 2 previous breaches of the Whip Rule.  The first occurred at Auckland TR on 1 November 2022 in a Group 3 Race and resulted in a $550 fine.  The second breach occurred following Race 1 and resulted in a 5-day suspension, which concludes after racing on 1 April 2023.

Mrs Selvakumaran submitted that the Penalty Guide provides a 5 plus day suspension for a breach of this nature.

Mr Cropp had nothing to add in relation to penalty.

Reasons For Penalty

This is the Respondent’s third breach within the 6-month reset period. The NZTR Penalty Guidelines provide for a penalty of a 5 plus day suspension as the starting point.

The Respondent’s mount won the race by a narrow margin. It is of concern that Mr Cropp received a 5-day suspension for a similar (8 strike breach) in Race 1.  Clearly that did not have the necessary deterrent effect.  On this occasion a two-day uplift is applied to the starting point.  Accordingly, a 7-day suspension is imposed to commence at the conclusion of his suspension which ends after racing on 1 April 2023.

Conclusion

Mr Cropp’s licence to ride in races is suspended for 7-days commencing on 2 April 2023 and concluding after racing on 14 April 2023.