Taranaki RI 24 January 2026 – R6 – Erin Leighton

ID: RIB63210

Respondent(s):
Erin Michele Leighton - Jockey

Applicant:
Neil Goodwin - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
N Moffatt (Chair) and H Gray

Persons Present:
Mr Neil Goodwin, Ms L Selvakumaran - Stipendiary Steward, Ms E Leighton

Information Number:
A17674

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive use whip

Rule(s):
638(3)(g)(i) - Contravention whip rule

Plea:
Admitted

Stewards Report

Results

Animal Name:
ACER

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
24/01/2026

Race Club:
Taranaki Racing Inc

Race Location:
New Plymouth Raceway - Rogan Street, New Plymouth, 4310

Race Number:
R6

Hearing Date:
24/01/2026

Hearing Location:
New Plymouth Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Erin Leighton is fined $1,150

Evidence

Following the running of Race 6, the Respondent Ms E Leighton admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres. The Information stated she struck her mount 6 times prior to the 100m (then a further 6 times in the final 100m).

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)

Mr Goodwin presented the race video and confirmed the number of strikes up to the 100m mark and through to the finish.

In explanation, Ms Leighton stated that she had been counting her strikes, but became distracted and miscounted.

Decision

As Ms Leighton admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Goodwin produced Ms Leighton’s record, which indicated one prior breach within the 6 month reset period:

19/12/25: suspended 5 days

Stewards submitted a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Penalty Guide for excessive whip use.

Reasons for Penalty

In all breaches of the Whip Rules occurring in any Black-Type Race, the starting point for a fine is an amount equal to 50% of the Jockey’s share of the stake earned by their mount. Race 6 was a Listed Race. Ms Leighton won the event and earned $2,300 as her share of the $46,000 stake.

After reviewing the video evidence, considering the submissions, and having due regard to the number and frequency of strikes, the Adjudicative Committee determined that a fine equivalent to 50% of Ms Leighton’s earnings was appropriate.

Conclusion

Ms Leighton is fined $1150.

Decision Date: 24/01/2026

Publish Date: 26/01/2026

Taranaki RI 24 January 2026 – R6 – Erin Leighton

Related Decisions