Otaki-Maori RC – 26 June 2005 – Race 5

Following Race 5 Mr N.Goodwin lodged an information under Rule 530 (2) (b) of the Rules of Racing alleging Jockey Cameron the rider of "SALT" used his whip excessively in the run down the home straight.

Mr Cameron did not admit the breach and was assisted by his employer, Mr A.Sharrock.

Mr B.Bateup (assistant Stipendiary Steward) illustrated by use of the video that prior to the 200m mark Mr Cameron had struck his mount continuously 11 or 12 times. Mr Goodwin remarked that this was clearly outside of the guidelines. (For the benefit of everyone present Mr Goodwin was asked by the Chairman to read out the guidelines).

Mr Sharrock did not dispute the total number of times that the whip had been used but rather how many of those times were excessive. He voiced an opinion that the charge was a petty one because Mr Cameron had only struck his horse about 4 or 5 times more than he was allowed to under the guidelines.

Mr Cameron told the committee that he had ridden "SALT" in its previous race and that it had "bludged" the whole race. He said that today the horse would have drifted if he had not used the whip in the manner in which he did. He said that he was on the favourite and just doing his best.

Decision:

The committee had careful regard to all the submissions put before it by both parties.

Mr Cameron conceded that he understood the guidelines and these guidelines clearly indicate what constitutes excessive use of the whip,

"once a horse enters the final straight it can be hit with the drawn whip up to 6 times and then a rider should ride hands and heels for 6 strides before hitting the horse again with the drawn whip and continue this action until the 200 metres mark."

The video evidence shows that Mr Cameron did not ride within these guidelines and accordingly the committee found the charge proved.

Penalty:

Mr Goodwin produced Mr Cameron's riding record which showed one breach of this rule last year (2004) and 3 breaches this year, two of which were as recent as May. At Woodville he received a three day suspension and at Te Rapa a five day suspension.

While Mr Goodwin said that this breach was far from being at the top of the scale it was clearly outside of the guidelines and warranted a term of suspension.

Mr Sharrock asked the committee to consider that Mr Cameron is trying hard to win the apprentice jockeys premiership and that he will be riding around the country.

Penalty Decision:

The committee accepted Mr Goodwin's submission that this breach was not at the highest end of the scale, however, we were concerned that this was the fourth charge of excessive use of the whip in a matter of a few months which suggests that Mr Cameron is not taking the message on board.

It was our opinion that a suspension was the only option available. In determining the length of suspension the committee also had some regard to the fact that Mr Cameron is a promising young apprentice with a strong chance of winning the premiership.

Mr Cameron is suspended from the close of racing on Wednesday 29th June 2005 until after the close of racing on Wednesday 13th July 2005.

Chairman