Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC – 14 January 2026 – Akshay Balloo
ID: RIB62870
Animal Name:
BAGGIO
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
14/01/2026
Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club
Race Location:
Riccarton Park - 165 Racecourse Road, Christchurch,
Race Number:
R2
Hearing Date:
14/01/2026
Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park, Christchurch
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Class A Rider, Akshay Balloo, fined $300
INFORMATION A 21853:
Following the running of Race 2, NZB Airfreight Maiden 1600, Class A Rider, Akshay Balloo, admitted a breach of Rule 638(3)(f)(xi) in that, as the Rider of BAGGIO in the race, “he struck his mount with his whip in the forehand down the shoulder”.
Rule 638 provides as follows:
(3) Whip Rules
(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:
(xi) forward of the Rider’s saddle whilst the whip is held in the forehand position.
EVIDENCE:
Stipendiary Steward, Veronica Fisher, showed a video replay of the final stages of the race. She pointed out BAGGIO, ridden by Mr Balloo, racing against the rail and challenging for the lead, racing inside the final 200 metres of the race. She then showed Mr Balloo strike his mount once down the horse’s shoulder, with his arm in a forehand position.
Mr Balloo said that his mount was getting tight with the runner outside of him (WATSON ridden by Leah Hemi) and he was unable to use the whip behind the saddle. He should not have done it, he said, but it was just a spur of the moment decision.
DECISION:
The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mrs Fisher said that Mr Balloo has a clear record under rule 638(3)(f)(xi). She referred to the Penalty Guide suggested starting point for a breach of the rule of a $300 fine.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
Using the whip forward of the saddle is not acceptable, and is forbidden by the rule. The rule exists to promote horse welfare and safety, and to prevent improper use of the whip. Mr Balloo has admitted using his whip on one occasion forward of the horse’s shoulder, which was clearly shown on the video replay. This particular breach was not the worst of its kind, but such use of the whip needs to be discouraged.
The RIB Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide (February 2025) provides a starting point for penalty of a $300 fine. There are no relevant aggravating or mitigating factors.
CONCLUSION – PENALTY:
Class A Rider, Akshay Balloo, is fined $300.
Decision Date: 14/01/2026
Publish Date: 16/01/2026