Wellington RC 11 March 2023 – R8 – Niranjan Parmar

ID: RIB17084

Respondent(s):
Niranjan Parmar - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
Mr Chris Simpson - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr B Mainwaring, Mrs N Moffatt

Persons Present:
Mr C Simpson, Mr N Goodwin - Senior Stipendiary Steward, Mr N Parmar, Ms K Clapperton - Apprentice Jockey Mentor

Information Number:
A18962

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive use of the Whip

Rule(s):
638(3)(g)(i) - Contravention whip rule - Excessive use of the Whip

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
Strange Love

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
11/03/2023

Race Club:
Wellington Racing Club

Race Location:
Trentham - 10 Racecourse Rd, Upper Hutt, 5018

Race Number:
R8

Hearing Date:
11/03/2023

Hearing Location:
Trentham Racecourse- 10 Racecourse Road Upper Hutt

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Niranjan Parmar suspended 8 national riding days

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 8, the Respondent N Parmar (Apprentice Rider) admitted a charge alleging excessive use of the whip prior to the 100 metre mark.

Mr Parmar confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee that he understood the charge and admitted the breach. This was endorsed by Ms Clapperton.

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).

Using available race film, Stewards demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount on 7 occasions between the top of the straight and the 100 metre mark.

Mr Parmar did not offer comment beyond agreeing with the count. Ms Clapperton did not offer comment on Mr Parmar’s behalf.

Decision:

As the Respondent N Parmar admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee found the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Simpson produced Mr Parmar’s record as it related to a breach of this particular Rule:

17/12/2022 6 strikes $500 fine

4/3/2023 6 strikes $300 fine

4/3/2023 6 strikes $500 fine

4/3/2023 6 strikes 2 day suspension and $500 fine

11/3/2023 7 strikes 6 day suspension

Stewards referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current Penalty Guideline.

Reason For Penalty:

The breach is readily identified. Penalty Guidelines provide for a starting point of 5+ day suspension for a 5th and following offence in circumstance of 2 additional strikes. It is with concern that the Adjudicative Committee notes Mr Parmar’s very poor record – particularly where escalation in penalty seems to have had little effect as a deterrent. Nonetheless, it is deemed appropriate that an uplift in penalty is necessary. As such, an 8 day suspension was imposed.

Conclusion:

The Respondent N Parmar’s licence to ride in races is suspended for 8 national riding days, commencing from the close of racing on 16th April 2023 up to and including 28th April 2023. The calendar provides for an approved programme for an as yet to be confirmed location, on 16th April. Suspension is cumulative to those suspensions imposed following the filing of Information A18960 and A18963.

Decision Date: 11/03/2023

Publish Date: 14/03/2023