R Te Aroha 11 February 2026 – R7 – Craig Grylls

BACKGROUND

Following the running of Race 7, Class A Rider Mr Craig Grylls admitted a charge of using his whip on his mount ARTAMOS when out of contention of running in the first five placings.

The charge was filed pursuant to Rule 638(3)(f)(iii) which provides that:

a Rider must not use his whip

when the Rider’s horse is out of contention of running in the first five placings.

Mr Grylls confirmed to the Stewards that he did not wish to be present at the hearing, but understood the nature of the charge, the Rule and admitted the breach.  The Adjudicative Committee agreed to continue with the hearing in his absence.

EVIDENCE

Using available race films, Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr Davidson demonstrated the incident. He identified Mr Grylls’ mount, ARTAMOS, at the concluding stages of the race, where Mr Grylls struck his mount twice. The first strike was near the 150 metre mark, with the second strike near the 50 metre mark.  Mr Davidson advised that the Stewards were mainly concerned with the strike at the 50 metre mark, as Mr Grylls’ mount was never in a position of finishing in the first five placings.

Mr Grylls had previously viewed the films and agreed with the Steward’s interpretation.

DECISION

As Mr Grylls admitted the charge, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

SUBMISSIONS TO PENALTY

Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr Davidson advised that this was the first charge for Mr Grylls  under this Rule, with one previous warning and that he was a very busy Rider.  Previous penalties under this Rule have been in vicinity of $250 to $300 for a first offence.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

The race films clearly showed that Mr Grylls struck his mount ARTAMOS when out of contention. When the strike was applied, it was apparent that his mount had no chance of finishing in the first five placings. Mr Grylls’ mount ARTAMOS finished last out of 11 starters, with 7.6 lengths from the winner and 4 lengths from the fifth placed horse.

In this instance, the Adjudicative Committee adopted $300 as the starting point, in line with the Penalty Guide. Taking into account that this was Mr Grylls’ first offence under this Rule (following a warning), the Adjudicative Committee determined that a fine of $300 was an appropriate and fair penalty.

CONCLUSION

Class A Rider Mr C Grylls is fined $300.