Non Raceday Inquiry – Written Decision dated 10 January 2026 – Brandon May
ID: RIB62697
Animal Name:
PURE JEWEL
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
30/12/2025
Race Club:
Kurow Jockey Club
Race Location:
Kurow Racecourse - Omarama-Oamaru Road, Kurow,
Race Number:
R3
Hearing Date:
10/01/2026
Hearing Location:
Kumara
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Brandon May is fined the sum of $300
Evidence
This hearing was heard at the Kumara Jockey Club meeting on 10 January 2026.
Following the running of Race 3, at the Kurow Jockey Club meeting on 30 December 2025, the Respondent Class A Rider, Brandon May, admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres in that he struck his mount PURE JEWEL on 7 occasions prior to the 100m.
The Respondent acknowledged he understood the Rule, the nature of the charge and confirmed his admission of the breach.
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);
Using the available race films, Senior Stipendiary Steward, Mark Davidson, with the assistance of Chief Stipendiary Steward, John Oatham, showed that Mr May was racing wide on the track and in contention as the field approached the 300m. He demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 7 times from near the 300m to the 100-metre mark, with a further 4 strikes between the 100m and the post. Mr Davidson added that PURE JEWEL got up to won the race by the official margin of a head.
Mr May, in explanation, said he was in a close finish and momentarily lost count of the number of strikes.
Decision
As the Respondent Mr May admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).
Submissions for Penalty
Mr Davidson produced the Respondent, Mr May’s, record which indicated a clear record over the prior 6 months.
He stated the Penalty Guide for an initial breach of excessive whip use for 2 additional strikes was a $250 fine. Mr Davidson submitted that a small uplift be considered, due to the fact that Mr May went on to win the race.
Mr May elected to make no submissions in regard to penalty.
Reasons for Penalty
The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is set out below.
For breaches of the Whip Rule prior to the 100m mark:
1st offence starting point $250 fine where there are 2 additional strikes
This Adjudicative Committee determined that there was an aggravating factor to consider, being that Mr May’s mount, PURE JEWEL, got up to win the race, which warranted an uplift in penalty. This uplift was set at $50.
It was therefore determined that an appropriate penalty in this case was a $300 fine.
Conclusion
The Respondent Mr May is fined the sum of $300.
Decision Date: 10/01/2026
Publish Date: 13/01/2026