Waikato TR 20 December 2025 – R4 – Rihaan Goyaram
ID: RIB61991
Animal Name:
SADHBH
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
20/12/2025
Race Club:
Waikato Thoroughbred Racing
Race Location:
Te Rapa Racecourse - Te Rapa Road, Hamilton, 3200
Race Number:
R4
Hearing Date:
20/12/2025
Hearing Location:
Te Rapa Racecourse, 1 Ken Browne Erive, Te Rapa, Hamilton
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Rider Rihaan Goyaram is fined $500
BACKGROUND
Following the running of Race 4, Apprentice Jockey Rihaan Goyaram admitted a breach of the Whip Rules, namely that he struck his mount, SADHBH, with his arm raised above shoulder height in the final straight.
Rule 638(3) provides as follows:
(f) Without limiting the generality of subrule 638(3)(e), in a Flat Race or Jumping Race, a Trial (including jump-outs and/or tests for certification purposes), a Rider must not use his or her whip:
(ii) using an action that raises the Rider’s arm above shoulder height.
At the start of the hearing, Mr Goyaram confirmed his admission of the breach and that he understood the Rule and the nature of the charge. He was assisted at the hearing by Senior Rider Matthew Cameron.
EVIDENCE
Deputy Chief Steward Mr Jones, used the available race videos to identify Mr Goyaram in the home straight with SADHBH. Mr Goyaram was shown switching his whip to his left hand; in doing so, the whip briefly became tangled in the reins. Mr Goyaram managed to free his whip and then lifted it above shoulder height, before bringing it down and striking his mount in the same motion. Mr Jones said this confirmed the breach of the Rule.
Mr Goyaram admitted the breach.
DECISION
As Mr Goyaram has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
PENALTY SUBMISSIONS
Stewards produced the Respondent’s record, which showed two breaches of the Rule in the previous six months.
Mr Jones referenced the record of Elen Nicholas, a Rider who has had four breaches of the same Rule and received the following penalties:
• 1st breach: $250 fine
• 2nd breach: $350 fine
• 3rd breach: $500 fine
• 4th breach: $1,000 fine
Consequently, Stewards submitted that a fine of $500 would be appropriate in the circumstances.
Mr Goyaram had nothing to add on the matter of penalty.
REASONS FOR PENALTY
Mr Goyaram raised his arm above shoulder height to deliver a whip strike in the home straight. The action is a clear breach of the Rule.
Mr Goyaram has two previous breaches under the Rule.
The Adjudicative Committee found that similar cases have resulted in a fine of $500; accordingly, it is appropriate that Mr Goyaram is fined $500.
CONCLUSION
Apprentice Jockey Rihaan Goyaram is fined $500.
Decision Date: 20/12/2025
Publish Date: 23/12/2025