Taranaki RI 8 June 2023 – R1 – Amless Bohorun

Evidence

Following the running of Race 1, the ‘Sinclair Electrical & Refrigeration Opunake Cup Saturday 22nd July Maiden’ an Information was lodged alleging the Respondent :

‘used his whip forward of the shoulder’.

Rule 638(3)(f)(i)  provides that a Rider must not use his or her whip:

(i) forward of the Rider’s horse’s shoulder or in the vicinity of it’s head;

Mr Bohorun confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee that he understood the charge and admitted the breach.

Using available film, Stewards illustrated, to the satisfaction of the Adjudicative Committee, that Mr Bohorun struck his mount forward of the shoulder on two occasions in the home straight. When asked for comment, Mr Bohorun readily admitted his actions and said he was attempting to straighten his mount.

Decision:

As Mr Bohorun admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

In providing submissions, Stewards referred the Adjudicative Committee to 3 previous breaches of this particular Rule namely:

25/9/2021     Matamata RC     J Kamaruddin – 3 strikes – $650 fine

9/9/2022       Otago RC           S Khetoo – 1 strike – $250 fine

17/12/2022   Manawatu RC    J Doyle – 6 strikes – $500 fine

Stewards considered a fine towards the lower level of any guidance these previous charges provided, was appropriate. Neither Mr Bohorun nor Mr Sharrock offered specific comment.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Adjudicative Committee is satisfied that the contention of the Respondent, that he used his whip in this manner to straighten his mount, is correct. This however, does not excuse his actions. Penalty Guidelines do not offer specific guidance in respect of a breach of this type with penalty remaining fact dependent. Reliance is placed on the aforementioned examples. On balance, reflecting the number and force of the strikes, a fine of $350 was imposed .

Conclusion:

Mr Bohorun is fined a sum of $350.