Waikato BOP H 24 December 2025 – R8 – Luk Chin

Summary of Facts

Following Race 8, the Respondent, Dr Luk Chin (Driver), admitted a breach of Rule 868(2) in that, when driving VORONOV, he failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures during the middle stages of the race to ensure his gelding was given full opportunity to win or obtain the best possible finishing position. This failure arose from persisting with a challenge for the lead, resulting in the horse weakening to finish 11th, beaten 16.8 lengths.

The Respondent endorsed the Information, stating “I do admit the breach of the Rule,” and confirmed he understood both the Rule and the nature of the charge.

Rule 868(2) provides:

(2) Every driver shall take all reasonable and permissible measures at all times during the race to ensure that his horse is given full opportunity to win the race or to obtain the best possible position and/or finishing place.

Using available video footage, Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr Mulcay identified VORONOV, driven by Dr Chin, running in 3rd place as TINKERBELLE (driven by Todd Mitchell), improved to take the lead. Dr Chin was racing without cover. Approaching the front straight on the first occasion, he drove VORONOV forward to see whether the lead was available. VORONOV improved to be on terms with TINKERBELLE near the winning post on the first occasion, with Dr Chin urging his horse along with the right rein.

The challenge commenced near the 2200-metre mark and continued past the 1800-metre mark, where VORONOV was ½ to ¾ of a length ahead of TINKERBELLE. At no stage, however, was Dr Chin in a position to shift to the marker line. Mr Mitchell was travelling under restraint and did not have to drive his mare unduly to hold the lead. It was Dr Chin who was applying pressure and increasing the tempo.

Near the 1400-metre mark, Dr Chin again asked VORONOV to improve. Shortly after, MYSTIC MAX (driven by Andre Poutama), improved three wide, with sufficient speed to clear VORONOV and reach the parked position.

The Stewards alleged that Dr Chin persisted with the challenge for the lead for too long during the middle stages, compromising his gelding’s ability to finish competitively. VORONOV weakened in the run home to finish 11th, 16.8 lengths from the winner.

Dr Chin accepted the Stewards’ interpretation, stating he believed Mr Mitchell would ease and take a trail, but when that did not occur, he found himself committed to the position he was in.

Decision

The charge is admitted and is therefore proved.

Submissions on Penalty

Mr Mulcay produced the Respondent’s record, which showed no previous breaches of this Rule within the reset period.

He submitted that the starting point for a first offence is a 7‑day suspension. However, given Dr Chin’s clear record, frank admission, and cooperation, the Stewards would not oppose a reduced penalty of a 5‑day suspension, particularly given the low level of culpability and the Stewards’ assessment of the breach as low‑level.

Dr Chin agreed that the Stewards’ submission on penalty was reasonable. He did not seek a deferment of any suspension.

Reasons for Penalty

The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a 7‑day suspension for a breach of Rule 868(2).

After considering the submissions of both parties, the low‑level nature of the breach, and Dr Chin’s cooperation and frank admission, the Adjudicative Committee determined that a 5‑day suspension was appropriate.

Conclusion

Dr Chin is suspended from the conclusion of racing on 24 December 2025 up to and including 26 January 2026.