Canterbury Jockey Club – 13 September 2025 – Race 4 – Hayley Hassman

Evidence

Following the running of Race 4 the Respondent Class B Rider, Hayley Hassman admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.

The Information alleged that as the Rider of REVERBERATIONS “she struck her mount 11 times prior to the 100m.”  

Miss Hassman was assisted at the hearing by NZTR Apprentice Mentor Jason Laking.

The Respondent acknowledged she understood the Rule and confirmed her admission of the breach.

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); or

Using the available race films Chief Stipendiary Steward John Oatham demonstrated that Miss Hassman struck her mount 11 times from near the 600m to the 100-metre mark with only 1 strike inside the 100m. Mr Oatham added that the strikes were not vigorous and were well spaced.

Miss Hassman elected to make no submissions in regard to the breach.

Decision

As the Respondent, Miss Hassman, admitted the breach the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).

Submissions For Penalty

Mr Oatham produced the Respondent’s record which indicated a clear record.

He stated the  Penalty Guide provided for an initial breach of excessive whip use for 4 or more additional strikes, a starting point of a 5 day suspension.

Mr Oatham said that Miss Hassman was to be under suspension from 22 September 2025 up to and including 19 October 2025 for a breach of the rules at a previous meeting. He said any suspension imposed would start immediately after this term of suspension ending 19 October 2025.

He submitted that there were no aggravating factors present to consider.

Miss Hassman elected to make no submissions in regard to penalty.

Reasons For Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is set out below.

For breaches of the Whip Rule prior to the 100m mark:

1st offence starting point 5 day suspension where there are 4 or more additional strikes

This Committee determined that there were no aggravating factors to consider.

It was therefore determined that an appropriate penalty in this case was a 5 day suspension.

Conclusion

Miss Hassman is suspended from 20 October 2025 up to and including 26 October 2025.