Waikato TR 27 October 2025 – R1 – Tayla Mitchell

BACKGROUND

Following the running of Race 1, the ‘SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Prelude’, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(i). The Information read as follows:

‘Struck her mount with the whip 7 times prior to the 100m mark with a further 4 strikes inside the 100m’

Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides (g) 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); where it shall not be a contravention of this sub rule (i) if: (iii)(B) a Rider strikes a horse seven times prior to the 100-metre mark, provided that the Rider does not strike the horse more than 3 times after the 100 – metre mark.

Ms Mitchell acknowledged that she understood the Rule, the nature of the charge and confirmed her admission of the breach.

EVIDENCE

Using the available race film, Stewards identified the incident. Entering the home straight, QUICK FIRE was positioned slightly away from the fence in second place behind WOLFGANG, the eventual race winner. The Respondent is seen to strike her mount on 7 occasions between this point and the 100 metre mark, whilst another 4 strikes are noted prior to the finish line. QUICK FIRE finished second in the race, a long neck from the winner.

When asked, the Respondent confirmed that she agreed with the count. By way of explanation, Ms Mitchell commented that she was attempting to get the best out of the horse and that her mount was responding to being struck.

DECISION

As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY

Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr Oatham produced the Respondent’s record, as it relates to any previous breach of this Rule within the last six months. There are three noted being:

17/05/25 – 8 strikes – 8-day suspension

17/05/25 – same day, a further breach – 8 strikes – 8-day suspension

23/8/2025 – 7 strikes – 7-day suspension + $450 fine (Group 2 Foxbridge Plate)

Stewards referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current NZTR Penalty Guide, which provides for a starting point of a 5+day suspension – 4th offence 2  additional strikes. In relation to penalty, Ms Mitchell asked that where a suspension was imposed, same be deferred until completion of racing on 4 November 2025.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

The breach is clearly identified by film. After considering same, along with respective submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined that a 6 day suspension of Licence was the appropriate penalty. The request for deferment was granted.

CONCLUSION

Ms Mitchell’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 6 National Riding Days, from the conclusion of racing on 4 November 2025, up to and including 12 November 2025.