Auckland TR 29 October 2025 – R9 – Joe Doyle

Evidence

Following the running of Race 9, SHOW BY SKYCITY 1600, at Pukekohe Park, the Respondent Class A Rider Joe Doyle was charged with a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(i).

The Information alleged that he struck his mount PRINCIPLED, 8 times prior to the 100 metres.

Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides that in a Flat Race a Rider must not:

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);

Using the available race films, Mr Oatham demonstrated the Respondent struck his mount 3 times prior to the 100-metre mark and a further 8 strikes from the 100 metres to the finish – a total of 11 strikes.

Mr Doyle took no issue with this evidence.

Decision

As Mr Doyle admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Jones noted the starting point from the Penalty Guide was $500 for this type of breach.  There could be an aggravating factor given Mr Doyle’s mount won the race by a nose.  Mr Doyle had a clear record for in excess of the 6 months reset period.

The Respondent had nothing to add with regard to penalty.

Reasons for Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is a $500 fine.  It is a defence to this Rule if a Rider strikes a horse six times prior to the 100 metre mark, provided that Rider does not strike the horse more than four times after the 100 metre mark.  In the circumstances demonstrated in this case, the defence to the Rule does not apply.

After considering the video evidence, the submissions and having due regard to the number of strikes, and also noting that Mr Doyle has a good riding record given he is a busy Rider, the Adjudicative Committee determined there should be recognition of the mitigating factors mentioned above to a minor degree.

Conclusion

Mr Doyle is fined $450.