Oamaru JC 20 July 2025 – R1 – Billy Jacobson

ID: RIB57119

Respondent(s):
Bill Jacobson - Jockey

Applicant:
Miss R Haley, Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Geoff Hall

Persons Present:
Mr John Oatham, Chief Stipendiary Steward

Information Number:
A20646

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive Use of Whip

Rule(s):
638(3)(g)(i) - Contravention whip rule

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
FULL OF GUSTO

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
20/07/2025

Race Club:
Oamaru Jockey Club

Race Location:
Oamaru Racecourse - Highway 1, Oamaru North, Oamaru, 9494

Race Number:
R1

Hearing Date:
20/07/2025

Hearing Location:
Oamaru

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Class A Rider Billy Jacobson is suspended for 6 days

Miss Haley alleged that Mr Jacobson struck his mount FULL OF GUSTO in Race 1, eight times prior to the 100 metre mark.

Mr Oatham demonstrated on the videos that in the home straight, FULL OF GUSTO made a run down the middle of the track from near the rear of the field. The Respondent struck the horse 8 times before the 100 metres. There were no strikes in the final 100 metres. FULL OF GUSTO finished 4th.

Mr Jacobson said it was a misjudgement. The horse was starting to run on.

Decision

As Mr Jacobson has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

Submissions as to Penalty

Miss Haley produced the Respondent’s record, which evidenced 3 breaches of this Rule in the past 6 months. One in February, another in March, and the final one in April. She said Mr Jacobson was a busy Rider.

Mr Jacobson stated he wished the suspension to start immediately.

Reasons for Penalty

The starting point in the Penalty Guide for 8 strikes before the 100 metres where it is a 4th such breach, is 5+ days suspension. This is the same starting point as for a 3rd breach.  A 6-day starting point is appropriate, which takes into account that Mr Jacobson is a busy South Island based Rider.

Conclusion

Mr Jacobson is suspended from the end of racing today, up to and including 30 July 2025. This is 6 national riding days.

Decision Date: 20/07/2025

Publish Date: 22/07/2025