Auckland TR 29 October 2025 – R5 – Samantha Collett
ID: RIB60135
Animal Name:
St Kilda
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
29/10/2025
Race Club:
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing
Race Location:
Pukekohe Park - 222/250 Manukau Road, Pukekohe Hill, Pukekohe, 2120
Race Number:
R5
Hearing Date:
29/10/2025
Hearing Location:
Pukekohe Park
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Rider Samantha Collett is fined $300
Following the running of Race 5, Class A Jockey Samantha Collett, was charged with and admitted a breach of the Whip Rules in that, as the Rider of ST KILDA in the race, she “struck her mount in the flank region”.
Rule 638 provides as follows:
(3) Whip Rules
(f) Without limiting the generality of subrule 638(3)(e), in a Flat Race . . . a rider must not use his or their whip:
(x) on the flank of the Rider’s horse.
EVIDENCE:
Mr Jones showed a close-up video replay of Ms Collett, riding ST KILDA, clearly, striking the horse with her whip in the flank area on approximately seven occasions inside the final 100 metres.
The Adjudicative Committee observed that the horse had led for most of the race, and was clear in the lead at the time, going on to win the race by half a length.
DECISION:
The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mr Jones said that this was a relatively new Rule, to which some Riders have been struggling to adjust. Stewards have been trying to educate Riders to adjust their riding styles.
The Penalty Guide provides that the penalty for a breach of the Rule is “fact dependent”. Mr Jones submitted that the breach was similar to a breach of using the whip on a runner out of contention – that is to say, a starting point of $300. He observed that Ms Collett had received a warning for the same issue on 20 September 2025. He noted that Ms Collett has been a busy Rider since her return to New Zealand in June.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
The RIB Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide (February 2025) marks the breach as “fact dependent”, meaning the penalty depends on the circumstances.
Using the whip on the flank (the side of the body) of a horse raises animal welfare issues, as the flank is a sensitive area.
The Adjudicative Committee adopts a starting point of $300 in this case. Although her mount went on to win which could be regarded as an aggravating factor, when considering the admission of the breach and her good riding record, it was considered that no variation from the starting point was warranted.
CONCLUSION:
Class A Rider, Samatha Collett, is fined the sum of $300.
Decision Date: 29/10/2025
Publish Date: 31/10/2025