Levin RC 19 December 2025 – R4 – Erin Leighton
ID: RIB61972
Animal Name:
CHELSEA ROSE
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
19/12/2025
Race Club:
Levin Racing Club
Race Location:
Otaki Racecourse - Te Roto Road, Otaki, 5512
Race Number:
R4
Hearing Date:
19/12/2025
Hearing Location:
Otaki Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Erin Leighton is suspended for 5 days
Evidence
Following the running of Race 4, Rider Ms Erin Leighton admitted a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(i) in that she struck her mount CHELSEA ROSE with the whip on nine occasions prior to the 100 metre mark.
Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides: A Rider must not strike a horse with the whip more than five times prior to the 100 metres mark.
Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr Oatham presented the race replay and identified CHELSEA ROSE in the lead, ridden by Ms Leighton. The footage showed that she struck her mount nine times before reaching the 100-metre mark, with a further two strikes until the finish – 11 in total.
Ms Leighton accepted the Stewards’ count as accurate.
Decision
As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee found the charge proved.
Submissions on Penalty
Ms Selvakumaran advised that Ms Leighton had a clear record under this Rule and submitted that a suspension in line with the NZTR Penalty Guide, would be appropriate.
Reasons for Penalty
The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a 5-day suspension, for a first breach involving four additional strikes.
After reviewing the film evidence, considering the submissions, and assessing the number and frequency of strikes, the Adjudicative Committee could see no reason to depart from the Penalty Guide. Ms Leighton is suspended for 5 days.
Conclusion
Ms Leighton’s License to ride is suspended from the close of racing on Saturday, December 27th, 2025, until the close of racing on Friday, January 2nd, 2026.
Decision Date: 19/12/2025
Publish Date: 22/12/2025