Auckland TR 17 May 2025 – R8 – Tayla Mitchell

Background

Following the running of Race 8, the Respondent, Apprentice Rider Ms Tayla Mitchell, admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.

Ms Mitchell was assisted at the hearing by Class A Rider Ms C Barnes.

The Information alleged that Ms Mitchell struck her mount QUICK FIRE 8 times prior to the 100 metres.

Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides that in a Flat Race a Rider must not:

(i) strike a horse with a whip more than 5 times prior to the 100-metre mark (other than in a slapping motion down the shoulder with the whip hand remaining on the reins);

Evidence

Using the available race films, Stipendiary Steward Mr Dooley identified QUICK FIRE, ridden by Ms Mitchell, out wide contesting the lead in the run up the home straight to the 100 mark.

Mr Dooley demonstrated that Ms Mitchell struck her mount 8 times, from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark. QUICK FIRE finished in fourth place.

Ms Mitchell agreed with the number of strikes and had nothing further to add.

Decision

As Ms Mitchell admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Dooley advised that this is Ms Mitchell’s sixth breach of the Whip Rule within the (6 month) period. Previous breaches include:

23/11/24 – 6 day suspension (due to reset in 6 days)

14/12/24 – 4 day suspension plus a $1,000 fine

01/01/25 – 8 day suspension

13/04/25 – 6 day suspension

17/05/25 – 7 day suspension

Three of the above breaches occurred in Black Type Races.

Mr Dooley submitted that the Penalty Guide provides a starting point penalty of a 5 plus day suspension and recommended that a suspension be imposed that takes into account the totality of Ms Mitchell’s offending.

Ms Mitchell had nothing to add in terms of any proposed penalty.  Ms Barnes advised the Adjudicative Committee that she will provide Ms Mitchell with some advice and guidance regarding her whip use.

Reasons for Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is a 5-plus day suspension.  This is now Ms Mitchell’s sixth whip breach within the 6 month reset period.  In addition, and although outside the 6 month reset period, she has incurred a further two breaches within the past 12 months.  It is noted that the breach which occurred on 23 November 2024, is due to reset in 6 days, but nevertheless, this is still within the requisite 6 month reset period.  Quite clearly, Ms Mitchell has a very poor whip record and is in need of assistance (training and tutelage), as was pointed out by the Adjudicative Committee following her whip breach on 13 April 2025. It was also noted on the films with regards to this breach, that Ms Mitchell was concentrating on striking her mount, at the expense of maintaining a straight running line.  Her mount QUICK FIRE, was running about and she continued to ride forward with the whip.

It should also be noted that Ms Mitchell breached the whip in Race 5, which resulted in a 7 day suspension.

Therefore, in view of Ms Mitchell’s very poor record, a 3 day uplift is applied to the 5 plus day starting point and on that basis, an 8 day suspension is imposed.

Mr Dooley advised that Ms Mitchell will be referred to the Rider Skills Panel. That should not be viewed as a penalty, but rather as a training and development opportunity for Ms Mitchell.

Conclusion

Ms Mitchell’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 8 days, commencing after racing on 6 June 2025 and concluding after racing on 21 June 2025.