Jamie Moore

The Disciplinary Panel of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) on Thursday 12 June 2014 held an enquiry to establish whether or not Jamie Moore, a licensed jockey, had committed a breach of Schedule (B)6 Part 2 of the Rules of Racing concerning his use of the whip when riding WHILE YOU WAIT (IRE), the winner, in the 32Red Novices’ Claiming Hurdle Race at Worcester on 29 May 2014. The matter was referred to the BHA by the Worcester Stewards following an enquiry on the same day because this was Moore’s fifth offence of mis-use of the whip, warranting a suspension of between two to six days, in the last six months.

The Panel heard submissions from Moore’s legal representative, and viewed recordings of the race.

The Panel accepted Moore’s admission that he was guilty of misuse of the whip in that he had used his whip on his horse above the permitted level. It considered that the breach would have warranted a suspension of two days.

Taking into account that Moore:
i) had committed five whip breaches (4 x 2 days and 1 x 4 days), since 1 February; and
ii) had had 181 rides over this period
it suspended him from riding for 17 days, of which five days will be deferred for two months until Tuesday 9 September 2014. The suspension will run from Friday 20 June until Wednesday 9 July 2014 inclusive, on days on which jump racing is scheduled to take place.

Matthew Hopkins

The Disciplinary Panel of the BHA on Thursday 12 June 2014 held an enquiry to establish whether or not Matthew Hopkins, an apprentice jockey, had committed a breach of Schedule (B)6 Part 2 of the Rules of Racing concerning his use of the whip when riding SIR GEOFFREY (IRE), the winner, in the Lionweld Kennedy Handicap Stakes at Catterick Bridge on 6 June 2014. The matter was referred to the BHA because this was Hopkins’ fifth offence of mis-use of the whip in the last six months, warranting a suspension of between two to six days.

The Panel heard submissions from Hopkins’ legal representative and viewed recordings of the race.

The Panel accepted an admission from Hopkins that he was in breach of Schedule (B)6 Part 2 in that he had used his whip above shoulder height. It considered that the breach would have warranted a suspension of four days.

Taking into account that Hopkins:
i) had committed five whip breaches (1 x 2 days, 2 x 4 days, 1 x 5 days and 1 x 6 days), since 31 December 2013; and
ii) had had 73 rides over this period
it suspended him from riding for 21 days, of which seven days will be deferred for three months until 9 October 2014. The suspension will run on Friday 20 June and Saturday 21 June, Saturday 28 June until Monday 30 June inclusive and Tuesday 1 July until Wednesday 9 July 2014 inclusive.

Jonjo O’Neill

The Disciplinary Panel of the BHA held an enquiry on Thursday 12 June 2014 into the analysis of the urine ordered to be taken from CATCHING ON (IRE), trained by Jonjo O’Neill, by the Stewards at Wetherby after the gelding had finished first in the Bramham Hall for Conferences and Events Handicap Hurdle on 21 January 2014. The sample tested positive for a prohibited substance, in breach of Rule (C)53 of the Rules of Racing. The Panel also considered whether or not to take action under Rule (A)74.2 of the Rules of Racing in respect of the possible disqualification of the gelding.

The urine taken from CATCHING ON (IRE) was found to contain morphine and codeine, which is a prohibited substance. The trainer exercised his right to have the ‘B’ sample analysed at HFL which confirmed the original finding. After considering the evidence, including a statement from O’Neill, the Panel was unable to establish the source of the substance, and could not therefore be satisfied that the administration of the substance was accidental.

The Panel accepted an admission from O’Neill that he was in breach of Rule (C)53 and imposed a fine of £1,000. It was not asked by the BHA to consider a contribution to the costs associated with the analysis of the ‘B’ sample.

Under Rule (A)74.2 the Panel disqualified CATCHING ON (IRE) from the race, placing BOOMTOWN first, ABOLITIONIST (IRE) second, HI CANDY (IRE) third and DOYENTHEDECENTHING fourth.

Jeremy Noseda

The Disciplinary Panel of the BHA held an enquiry on Thursday 12 June 2014 into the analysis of the urine ordered to be taken from THE SILVER KEBAYA (FR), trained by Jeremy Noseda, by the Stewards at Kempton after the filly had finished first in the Betbright Maiden Fillies’ Stakes on 19 February 2014. The sample tested positive for a prohibited substance, in breach of Rule (C)53 of the Rules of Racing. The Panel considered whether or not to take action under Rule (A)74.2 of the Rules of Racing in respect of the possible disqualification of the filly. The Panel also considered whether or not Noseda had committed a breach of Rule (C)13 in that he had failed to enter into his medication records the full details of the treatments administered to THE SILVER KEBAYA (FR).

The urine taken from THE SILVER KEBAYA (FR) was found to contain ranitidine, which is a prohibited substance. The trainer exercised his right to have the ‘B’ sample analysed at Laboratoire des Courses Hippiques which confirmed the original finding. After considering the evidence, including a statement from Noseda, the Panel was unable to establish the source of the substance, and could not therefore be satisfied that the administration of the substance was accidental.

The Panel further considered whether or not Noseda had committed a breach of Rule (C)13 in that his medication records failed to detail all the necessary information relating to the Treatment being given to THE SILVER KEBAYA (FR).

The Panel accepted an admission from Noseda that he was in breach of Rule (C)53 and imposed a fine of £1,000. Taking into account that Noseda had been found in breach of Rule (C)13 on two previous occasions it imposed a fine of £1,000.

Under Rule (A)74.2 the Panel disqualified THE SILVER KEBAYA (FR) from the race placing AMBELLA (IRE) first, SPEECHDAY (IRE) second, JOYFUL RISK (IRE) third and HER HONOUR (IRE) fourth.

The Panel also informed Noseda that all the horses in his care may be the subject of examination

Notes to editors:

1. The Panel for the enquiries was: Hopper Cavendish (Chair), Celina Carter, Ian Stark