R Tauranga 15 November 2025 – R7 – Chris Dell

BACKGROUND

Following the running of Race 7, the Group 2 ‘Gartshore Construction Tauranga Stakes’, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(i). The Information read as follows:

‘In that he struck his mount 7 times prior to the 100m followed by a further 4 strikes inside the 100m when riding MEANINGFUL STAR’

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 if: (iii)(B) a Rider strikes a horse seven times prior to the 100-metre mark, provided the rider does not strike the horse more than 3 times after the 100-metre mark.

Mr Dell acknowledged that he understood the Rule, the nature of the charge and confirmed his admission of the breach.

EVIDENCE

Using the available race film, Stewards identified the incident. Approaching the turn, Mr Dell’s mount was mid field and looking to improve. He is seen to strike the horse on seven occasions, from just prior to the turn, to just short of the 100m. There are four more strikes inside the 100m, with the last just short of the finish line. It is the last strike, which in effect ‘triggers’ the breach. MEANINGFUL STAR finished second in the event. The Respondent agreed with the count and Steward interpretation.

DECISION

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

SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY

Deputy Chief Steward Mr Brady Jones produced the Respondent’s record, as it relates to any breach of this Rule within the last six months. His record is clear to this point. The Adjudicative Committee was referred to the current Penalty Guide and in particular, that recommendation relating to penalty for Black-Type Races.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

The breach is clearly identified by film. The Penalty Guide provides for a $250 fine – first offence, 2 additional strikes.  Starting point for a Black Type Race, is a fine to an amount equal to 50% of the Jockey’s share of the stake earned by their mount. This sum was calculated to be $693.75. Mr Dell is a busy Rider, having had 297 rides in the 2023/2024 season and 107 rides this season to date. After consideration of all relevant factors, a fine of $675 was imposed.

CONCLUSION

Mr Dell is fined $675.