Wellington RC 21 January 2023 – R2 – Kevin Bohorun

Evidence

Following the running of Race 2, the Respondent Mr K Bohorun 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, Mr Goodwin demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 7 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark. One of these was a “double-hit”.

Mr Bohorun agreed with the number of strikes as counted by the Stewards and had nothing further to add. In response to a question from the Adjudicative Committee, Mr Bohorun explained that he had originally been in Perth, then Melbourne, before setting himself up in New Zealand. He has not had very many rides since starting in October.

Decision

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

Submissions For Penalty

Mr Goodwin produced Mr Bohorun’s record which showed this was his first breach.

Stewards submitted a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for excessive whip use (as of 1 March 2022).

Reasons For Penalty

Current Penalty Guidelines provide for a $250 fine for a first breach in circumstances of two additional strikes.  Although Mr Bohorun won the race, it was by a  wide margin and taking into account all factors, no uplift was deemed necessary. He was warned by the Stewards for the double-hit.

On that basis, the Respondent is fined $250.

Conclusion

Mr Bohorun is fined $250.