Waikato TR 8 February 2025 – R6 – Rory Hutchings

Following the running of Race 6, Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes, an Information was filed by Mr Jones (Senior Stipendiary Steward) alleging Mr Rory Hutchings, the Rider of El Vencedor, had made a celebratory gesture prior to the winning post in breach of Rule 638(2).

Mr Hutchings acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach.

Rule 638(2) provides: A Rider shall not make a celebratory gesture prior to his horse passing the winning post. 

Mr Jones demonstrated the incident using the available video footage. He said that one and a half strides short of the finish, Mr Hutchings made a celebratory gesture with his right arm, which held his whip.

Decision

As Mr Hutchings admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee found the charge proved.

Submissions for Penalty

Typically, breaches of this Rule fall under the Minor Infringement Scheme and incur a $300 fine. However, given that this was a Group 1 event, Mr Jones suggested that a fine of $500 would be more appropriate.

Mr Hutchings acknowledged that the Rule was in place due to health and safety issues that may arise from the Rider becoming unbalanced, or otherwise losing control of his mount. He explained that he knew the horse very well, he was a good three lengths ahead of the following horses and he had not raised his arm and whip above his body.  He asked the Adjudicative Committee to take into account his early admission of the charge. He also noted he was excited at winning a Group 1 event. He confirmed that in 15 years of riding, he had never been charged with a breach of this nature.

Reasons for Penalty

According to the Penalty Guide, the starting point for a breach of this Rule is a $300 fine.

When breaches occur in races of Black-Type status, which involve higher stakes, it is customary to impose more substantial penalties. For example, Mr Zackey was fined $750 for making a celebratory gesture during a $1,000,000 race in January 2023 and Mr Cartwright, in 2024 at Hastings, was fined $600 in a Group 1 Race.

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee established that while the celebration prior to the finish post was in breach of the Rule, It was not over exuberant. Mr Hutchings came up slightly in the saddle, remaining balanced and kept his free hand and whip pointing downwards, and it was the Adjudicative Committee’s view that the celebration was most definitely at the lower end of the scale.

Having consider this factor, including the Group 1 status of the race and the stakes involved, noting no prior breaches of the Rule and the early admission of the charge, the Adjudicative Committee determined that a $500 fine was appropriate.

Conclusion

Mr Hutchings is fined the sum of $500.