Auckland TR 4 November 2025 – R5 – Hayley Hassman

Evidence

Following the running of Race 5, the Respondent Class B Apprentice Rider, Hayley Hassman admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.

The Information alleged that as the Rider of HAKKINEN “she struck her mount 10 times prior to the 100m.”  

Ms Hassman was assisted at the hearing by Mr N Harris, NZTR Apprentice Mentor.

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); 

Using the available race films, Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr John Oatham demonstrated that HAKKINEN had moved up to challenge the leaders at the top of the straight and Ms Hassman had struck her mount 10 times from top of the straight (400 metre mark) to the 100-metre mark. He noted that there was only 1 further strike inside the 100 metres. Mr Oatham added that the strikes were consistent, but not vigorous.

Mr Harris explained that there was no aggression in her use of the whip. Ms Hassman was on the favourite and was very keen coming back into racing after a number of breaks. Miss Hassman confirmed Mr Harris’ comments.

Decision

As the Respondent, Ms 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 previous whip charge on 13 September 2025, which incurred a 5 day suspension.

Mr Oatham explained that Ms Hassman had just returned to riding from a 4 week suspension for failing to ride out, plus the 5 day suspension for a whip charge on 13 September. Previously, she had a clear record with the whip.

He stated the Penalty Guide for a second offence of excessive whip use for 4 or more additional strikes, provided for a starting point of a 5 plus days suspension.

He submitted that there was no aggravating factors present to consider and in the Steward’s view, a 6 day suspension would be a fair penalty.

Mr Harris also noted that Miss Hassman had also been involved in the fall at Te Rapa on top of her recent suspensions and had just returned to riding from a very broken season.

Ms Hassman requested and was granted a deferment of the commencement of her penalty, until after racing at Te Aroha on Tuesday 11 November 2025.

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:

2nd offence starting point 5 plus day suspension where there are 4 or more additional strikes

This Adjudicative Committee determined that there were no aggravating factors to consider. Ms Hassman had not been aggressive in her use of the whip and her lack of experience as an Apprentice and keenest in coming back after a number of breaks contributed to the breach.

It was therefore determined that an appropriate penalty in this case was a 6 day suspension.

Conclusion

Ms Hassman is suspended from the completion of racing on Tuesday 11 November, until the conclusion of racing at New Plymouth on Friday 21 November 2025 (6 national riding days).