Riccarton Park – Riccarton Turf 11 June 2025 – R7 – Bruno Queiroz

Following the running of Race 7, Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series, Class A Jockey, Bruno Queiroz, admitted a charge that, as the Rider of ANGELS WINGS in the race, he “struck his mount 8 times prior to the 100 metres”.

Mr Queiroz had signed the Information “I do admit a breach of the rule” and, further, “I do not wish to be present at the hearing of the Information”. It was explained to the Adjudicative Committee that Mr Queiroz had a ride in the final race, Race 8, following which he had to make a rushed trip to the airport to catch a flight home. The Adjudicative Committee was assured that Mr Queiroz had been shown the video replay and had been advised of the Penalty Guide for the particular breach and the likely penalty. His attendance at the hearing was waived in the circumstances.

Rule 638(3) provides:

(g) Subject to the other requirements this Rule 638(3), in a Flat Race or trial (including jump-outs and/or tests for certification purposes), a Rider must not:

     (i) except as provided for in (iii) (A) and (iii) (B) of this sub-Rule, 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:

Stipendiary Steward, Veronica Fisher, showed a video replay of the final 200-300 metres of the race. She pointed out ANGELS WINGS, ridden by Mr Queiroz, running on, the widest runner on the track. She showed Mr Queiroz commence using his whip just prior to the home turn and use it a total of 8 times from that point to the 100 metres.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mrs Fisher said that Mr Queiroz has recently commenced riding in this country. Prior to this race, he has had 50 rides and has no breaches of any Rule on his record.

For this breach, Mrs Fisher said, a first breach involving three strikes over the permitted amount of five, the Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a fine of $500.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee noted that Mr Queiroz has been riding in New Zealand for only a few weeks. He has already had 10 winners from a limited number of rides. The Adjudicative Committee was told that this is his first breach of any Rule.

For this, a first breach involving three additional strikes, the RIB Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide (February 2025) suggests a starting point of a $500 fine.

There are no aggravating or mitigating factors to be considered.

The Adjudicative Committee noted that ANGELS WINGS finished in 6th placing.

CONCLUSION:

Class A Jockey, Bruno Queiroz, is fined the sum of $500.