Non Raceday Inquiry – Written Decision dated 11 January 2026 – Matt Cartwright

EVIDENCE:

[1] This charge arises from the running of Race 9, the Group 2 Rich Hill Mile 1600m at the Auckland TR meeting, at Ellerslie on 1 January 2026.

[2] Deputy Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr B Jones filed an Information pursuant to Rule 638(3)(g)(i) alleging Class A Jockey Mr M Cartwright “struck his mount QUEEN ZOU seven times prior to the 100 metres, followed by a further four strikes inside the 100 metres”.

]3] The filing of the charge was approved pursuant to NZTR Rule 903(2)(d) – (Other than Race Meeting) and the matter was heard prior to race 1 at the Auckland TR meeting at Ellerslie on 11 January 2026.

[4] Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides that:

(g) Subject to the other requirements this Rule 638(3), in a Flat Race or Trial (including jump outs and/or tests for certification purposes), 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).

[5] Mr Cartwright stated he was familiar with the Rule, the charge, and confirmed that he admitted the breach.

[6] Mr Jones showed the relevant race films to identify that Mr Cartwright struck his mount (QUEEN ZOU) seven times from the straight entrance to the 100m mark.  He pointed out that QUEEN ZOU went on and won the race. He added that from the 100 metres to the finish he struck his mount a further four times.  On that basis, he said that the Rule which enables a defence to the charge for 6 or 7 strikes does not apply.

[7] Mr Cartwright agreed with the count and had further nothing to add.

DECISION:

[8] Mr Cartwright having admitted the breach, the charge was therefore deemed to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

[9] Mr Jones said that this is Mr Cartwrights first breach of the Rule within the 6-month reset period. He said the Penalty Guidelines establish a starting point of a $250 for a first breach of the Rule.  However, due to the breach having occurred in a Black Type race the fine to be applied must be the greater of the $250 fine or an amount equal to 50% of Mr Cartwrights share of the stake money earned.

[10] Mr Jones submitted that Mr Cartwrights share of the stake money for winning the race was $7760 and 50% equates to $3,881.

[11] In response Mr Cartwright submitted that he miscounted the number of strikes over the concluding stages of the race.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

[12] In determining the appropriate penalty, the Adjudicative Committee considered the Penalty Guidelines, which provide that the fine to be imposed should be the greater of either $250 or $3,800. The sum of $3,800 represents 50% of Mr Cartwrights share of the stake. The status of this race has already been considered within the Penalty Guidelines, and as such, no additional penalty uplift is required.

[13] While Mr Cartwright’s mount was successful in winning the race, the Adjudicative Committee found that it could not be conclusively determined that the two extra whip strikes were a decisive factor in achieving the win.

[14] The Adjudicative Committee also observed that there is a defence available for charges involving 6 or 7 strikes; however, in order for this defence to apply, the rider must not use the whip more than 3 or 4 times in the final 100 metres, making a total of 10 strikes permissible, inclusive of those in the concluding stages. In this instance, Mr Cartwright struck his mount four times during the final 100 metres, and therefore, the defence provision does not apply in this case.

Accordingly, a fine of $3800 is imposed.

CONCLUSION:

[15] Mr Cartwright is fined $3,800.