Result of an enquiry (P Dobbs) heard by the Disciplinary Panel on Thursday 8 October
Pat Dobbs
The Disciplinary Panel of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) on Thursday 8 October 2015 held an enquiry to establish whether or not Pat Dobbs, the rider of SPEED HAWK (USA), placed second, had committed a breach of Schedule (B)6 Part 2 of the Rules of Racing concerning his use of the whip in the Albert Bartlett Stakes at Ascot on 3 October 2015. The matter was referred to the BHA by the Ascot Stewards following an enquiry on the same day because this was Dobbs’ fifth offence of mis-use of the whip, warranting a suspension of between two to six days, in the last six months.
The BHA’s case was presented by Lyn Williams. Dobbs was represented by Rory Mac Neice, who gave submissions to the Panel. The Panel also viewed recordings of the race.
The Panel accepted Dobbs’ admission that he was guilty of misuse of the whip in that he had used his whip in the incorrect place. It considered that the breach would have warranted a suspension of four days.
Taking into account that Dobbs:
i) had committed five whip breaches (3 x 2 days & 2 x 4 days), since 23 May; and
ii) had had 412 rides over this period
it suspended him from riding for 16 days, of which five days will be deferred for two months until Sunday 27 December 2015. The suspension will run from Friday 16 October 2015 until Tuesday 27 October 2015 inclusive on days on which flat racing is scheduled to take place.
In deciding on the length of suspension the Panel noted Mr Dobbs had had 508 rides in the six months and had never previously been referred to the BHA for a riding offence in the 18 years he had held a licence.
Notes to editors:
1. The Panel for the enquiry was: Hopper Cavendish (Chair), Roger Bellamy, Ian Stark
