Wellington Racing Club -17 January 2026 – R2- Liam Kauri
ID: RIB62918
Animal Name:
SILENT IS GOLD
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
17/01/2026
Race Club:
Wellington Racing Club
Race Location:
Trentham - 10 Racecourse Rd, Upper Hutt, 5018
Race Number:
R2
Hearing Date:
17/01/2026
Hearing Location:
Trentham racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Mr Kauri is suspended 5 national riding days
Evidence
Following the running of Race 2, the Respondent Mr L Kauri, admitted a charge alleging he struck his mount SILENT IS GOLD with the whip on seven occasions prior to the 100 metres mark with a further five strikes inside the final 100 metres.
Apprentice Mentor Kim Clapperton was present to assist.
Rule638(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, Mr Goodwin demonstrated that Mr Kauri struck his mount seven times from the entrance to the straight to well before the 100-metre mark. A further five strikes were observed from the 100-metre point to the finish.
Neither Mr Kauri nor Ms Clapperton offered any additional comments in response.
Decision
As Mr Kauri admitted the breach the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.
Submissions For Penalty
Mr Goodwin produced Mr Kauri’s record which indicated the following breaches within the 6 month reset period:
20/12/25 $550 (Group 3)
18/10/25 5 day suspension
Stewards submitted a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for excessive whip use.
Reasons For Penalty
The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a five-day suspension for a third breach that is two strikes over the permitted number. There were no aggravating factors or compelling reasons to depart from this starting point.
Accordingly, Mr Kauri is suspended for five days. He has advised of riding commitments through until Saturday, 24 January 2026.
Conclusion
Mr Kauri’s licence to ride in races is suspended for 5 national riding days from close of racing on January 24th until close of racing on February 4th, 2026.
Decision Date: 17/01/2026
Publish Date: 19/01/2026