Matamata RC 19 December 2025 – R2 – Sam Weatherley
ID: RIB61986
Animal Name:
RED PEARL
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
19/12/2025
Race Club:
Matamata Racing Club
Race Location:
Matamata Racecourse - 7555 State Highway 27, R D 3, Matamata, 3440
Race Number:
R2
Hearing Date:
19/12/2025
Hearing Location:
Matamata Racing Club, 7555 State Highway 27, Matamata
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Rider Sam Weatherley is fined $300
Background
Following the running of Race 2, the Respondent, Rider Sam Weatherley, admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.
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).
At the start of the hearing, Mr Weatherley confirmed his admission of the breach and that he understood the Rule and the nature of the charge.
Evidence
Using the available race films, Stipendiary Steward Ms Fisher demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount RED PEARL 7 times from the straight entrance to the 100‑metre mark. He was also shown using the whip another 6 times inside the final 100 metres.
RED PEARL went on to win the race.
In response, by way of explanation, the Respondent, Mr Weatherley, said he admitted the breach. He approached the Stewards following the race and “put his hand up”. He said he made a mistake, he knew straight away, and that it was an error.
Decision
As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).
Submissions for Penalty
Ms Fisher produced the Respondent Mr Weatherley’s record, which indicated he had a clear record under this Rule.
Under the Penalty Guide, the starting point for two additional strikes for a first offence is $250. However, the Stewards submitted that it should be taken into consideration that Mr Weatherley went on to win the race and asked the Adjudicative Committee to consider an uplift for this reason.
The Respondent, Mr Weatherley, acknowledged that he won the race and, in the circumstances, accepted that a modest uplift may be appropriate.
Reasons for Penalty
After considering the film evidence, the submissions, and having due regard for the number and frequency of strikes, and the fact that the Respondent went on to win the race, the Adjudicative Committee determined that a modest uplift from the starting point set out in the Penalty Guide was appropriate.
On that basis, the Respondent is fined $300.
Conclusion
The Respondent, Sam Weatherley, is fined $300.
Decision Date: 19/12/2025
Publish Date: 23/12/2025