Riccarton Park – Banks Peninsula RC 4 February 2026 – R3 – Triston Moodley
ID: RIB63517
Animal Name:
RESERVOIR
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
04/02/2026
Race Club:
Banks Peninsula Racing Club
Race Location:
Riccarton Park - 165 Racecourse Road, Christchurch,
Race Number:
R3
Hearing Date:
04/02/2026
Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Triston Moodley is suspended for 5 National Days
Evidence
Following the running of Race 3, the Respondent Class B Rider Triston Moodley admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.
NZTR Apprentice Mentor Jason Laking was present to assist.
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); or
Using the available race films, Stipendiary Steward Rebecca Haley, with the assistance of Senior Stipendiary Steward, Mark Davidson, demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 8 times from inside the 400m to the 100-metre mark.
Mr Moodley stated that his mount was a one pacer and fighting on well over the concluding stages. He also stated that he forgot to count his strikes prior to the 100m.
Decision
As the Respondent Mr Moodley admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).
Submissions for Penalty
Ms Haley produced Mr Moodley’s record, which indicated 1 previous breach being;
-13 December 2026 – Waikato – fined $620 – 7 strikes – 2nd placing in a Group 3 event.
Ms Haley stated the Penalty Guide for a second offence, excessive whip use for 3 additional strikes, was a 5 national day suspension.
Mr Moodley made no submissions in regard to penalty, apart from requesting a deferment until after the meeting at Matamata on 14 February 2026.
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:
2nd offence starting point 5 national day suspension where there are 3 additional strikes
The Penalty Guide provides a 5 day suspension for a 2nd breach of this Rule within a 6 month period.
There were no aggravating factors to consider, therefore no uplift was warranted.
It was therefore determined that an appropriate penalty in this case was a 5 day suspension, commensurate with the Penalty Guide.
Conclusion
Mr Moodley is granted a 10-day deferment until after racing at Matamata on 14 February 2026. His Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 5 national days, from close of racing on 14 February 2026, until close of racing on 22 February 2026.
Decision Date: 04/02/2026
Publish Date: 09/02/2026