Wellington Racing Club – 17 January 2026 – R7- Leah Hemi
ID: RIB62922
Animal Name:
CIRCUS TRIX
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
17/01/2026
Race Club:
Wellington Racing Club
Race Location:
Trentham - 10 Racecourse Rd, Upper Hutt, 5018
Race Number:
R7
Hearing Date:
17/01/2026
Hearing Location:
Trentham racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Ms Hemi fined $250
Background:
Following the running of Race 7, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(3)(f)(ii) in that Leah Hemi used the whip with an action rasing her arm above shoulder height on her mount CIRCUS TRIX.
Rule 638(3)(f)(ii) provides:
(f) A Rider must not use his or her whip:
(ii) using an action that raises the Rider’s arm above shoulder height.
Evidence:
Using the head-on video, the Stewards identified Ms Hemi, positioned on the outside of the field, and pointed out one occasion where she raised her arm above shoulder height. Ms Hemi explained that she had altered her whip action to avoid striking the horse to her inside, which she believed was shifting in on her.
Decision:
As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee found the breach proved.
Submissions for Penalty:
Mr Goodwin submitted that Ms Hemi had been warned a couple of days ago for the same action and submitted that the penalty should be consistent with the Penalty Guide.
Reasons for Penalty:
The current Penalty Guide sets a starting point of a $250 fine for a first breach of this Rule. This was a clear and straightforward breach requiring no uplift from that starting point.
Penalty:
Ms Hemi is fined $250.
Decision Date: 17/01/2026
Publish Date: 19/01/2026