R Rotorua 16 November 2025 – R1 – Jasmine Fawcett

ID: RIB60772

Respondent(s):
Jasmine Jade Fawcett - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr A Dooley - Senior Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr B Mainwaring (Chair) and Ms J Howard

Persons Present:
Mr Dooley, Mr B Jones, Ms P Kinsey - Stipendiary Stewards, Ms Fawcett

Information Number:
A19113

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Use of Whip above shoulder height

Rule(s):
638(3)(f)(ii) - Contravention whip rule

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
TIANTAI

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
16/11/2025

Race Club:
Rotorua Racing Club

Race Location:
Arawa Park Racecourse - 274 - 287 Fenton Street, Glenhome, Rotorua, 3010

Race Number:
R1

Hearing Date:
16/11/2025

Hearing Location:
Rotorua

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Class A Rider Jasmine Fawcett is fined $350

Following the running of Race 1, Class A Rider Ms Jasmine Fawcett, admitted a breach of Rule 638(3)(f)(ii). It was alleged that she used her whip with her arm raised above shoulder height on two occasions, when riding TIANTAI.

Rule 638(3) provides as follows

(f)   … a Rider must not use his or her whip:

       (ii)  using an action that raises the Rider’s arm above shoulder height.

Ms Fawcett advised that she understood the Rule and admitted the charge.

EVIDENCE:

Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr Dooley used the race films to prove that Ms Fawcett, riding TIANTAI, applied two strikes using an action that raised her arm above shoulder height in the straight. Mr Dooley also advised the Adjudicative Committee that there was a pending charge for a third breach of the same Rule by Ms Fawcett in Race 3. He advised that she was aware of the charge from Race 1 before riding in Race 3. He emphasised that the two breaches should be considered in totality.

TIANTAI finished in fifth place.

Ms Fawcett acknowledged that she was familiar with the Penalty Guidelines for the offence.

DECISION:

As Ms Fawcett admitted the charge, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refer).

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr Dooley produced Ms Fawcett’s record, which indicated a breach of this Rule on 5 July 2025, in that she struck her mount 6 times using an action that raised her arm above shoulder height. Ms Fawcett was fined $450 from a starting point of $250. The uplift reflecting the number of strikes.

Mr Dooley recommended a penalty of $300 to $350 for this second breach.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines provide a starting point of a fine of $250 for breaches of Rule 638(3)(f)(ii). The strikes were not forceful however the number of strikes were an aggravating factor, which necessitated an uplift from the starting point. Ms Fawcett is a busy Rider and was fully aware of the penalties for the incorrect action.

CONCLUSION:

Class A Rider Ms Fawcett is fined $350.

Decision Date: 16/11/2025

Publish Date: 20/11/2025