QRIC rejects whip complaint
The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission will take no action over a complaint regarding a breach of the whip rules in the Gunsynd Classic.
QRIC found that as connections of second-placed Violate had not lodged a protest before correct weight the result could not be changed under the rules of racing.
It was further noted stewards had found the whip breach had not altered the result of the Eagle Farm race last Saturday week.
Apprentice Tiffani Brooker was suspended for seven days and fined $2000 for hitting the winner Dreams Aplenty more than allowed limit before the 100m mark.
The connections of Violate made a formal complaint to QRIC last week and asked the placings to be reversed.
QRIC Commissioner Ross Barnett said he had rejected the complaint,
“The connections and rider of Violate did not lodge a protest prior to the signalling of correct weight,” Barnett said.
“Chief steward Allan Reardon has considered the connections’ complaint, and the rules are clear that any protest must be made before correct weight as required in AR 165, therefore the placings will stand.”
“A panel of experienced stewards observed the race in question from vantage points at the Eagle Farm race track and saw nothing of concern in the running of the race.”
He said after stewards became aware Brooker may have breached the whip rule, stewards conducted an inquiry as soon as possible.
“After viewing the footage of the race, Stewards found the winning jockey guilty of breaching rule 137A(5)(a) and determined that the breach did not affect the outcome of the race,” Barnett said.
“I am supportive of the actions of stewards. It is a routine occurrence for stewards to review the race when they return to their room after correct weight and inquire into any possible breaches of the rules of racing.”