Waikato TR 13 December 2025 – R8 – George Rooke

BACKGROUND

Following the running of Race 8, the Group 3 ‘SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Cup’ an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(i). The Information read as follows:

‘In that he struck his mount 8 times prior to the 100m’

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);

Mr Rooke acknowledged to the Adjudicative Committee 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, SHARP ‘N’ SMART is 3 wide and improving. On straightening, the horse is under a strong ride. The horse is struck on 8 occasions, between the top of the straight and the 100 metre point. The horse is struck on 2 further occasions, between the 100 metre point and the line. SHARP ‘N’ SMART won the event, with the official margin being a head. The Respondent agreed with the count. By way of explanation, Mr Rooke commented that the his mount is a lazy horse. He counted 5 strikes, put his stick away and then when others challenged, he resumed using the whip. He simply lost count in a close finish.

DECISION

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

SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY

Stewards produced the Respondent’s record, as it relates to any breach of this Rule within the last six months. Recorded is 1 previous breach, that being Auckland TR on 4 November 2025. The breach related to 9 strikes prior to the 100m with (given the status of the race) a 5 day suspension and $300 fine being imposed. Mr Rooke is a busy well regarded Rider, having had some 600 rides over the last twelve months. The Adjudicative Committee was referred to the current Penalty Guide. Same provides, in this circumstance, a 5 day suspension.  The Guide also provides for imposition of a fine (in Black-Type Races) at 50% of the Jockey’s share of any stake earned by their mount.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The breach is clearly identified by film. A 5 day suspension was adopted as the starting point.  Given the breach relates to animal welfare, mitigating circumstances were not considered. An uplift may have been appropriate, given that the horse won the race narrowly. This was not applied, given that the Rider of the second placed horse, was also charged with a similar offence. A 5 day suspension was adopted. Mr Rooke is due to commence a suspension (8 days) from 19 December 2025 and conclude on 31 December 2025, with the sanction imposed here to follow. A sum of $2,012 was calculated as 50% of the Jockey’s share of the stake earned. A fine of $2,000 was imposed.

CONCLUSION

Mr Rooke is suspended for 5 NR Days, commencing from the close of racing on 31 December 2025 and concluding at the close of racing on 6 January 2026. In addition to this, he is fined a sum of $2,000.