Egmont RC 27 February 2026 – R5 – Pam Gerard

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Stipendiary Steward Ms K Jillings lodged an Information alleging a breach of Rule 537(a), in that there was a late Rider declared on ASPIRITTA in Race 5, after declaration time of 1pm on Tuesday 24 February 2026.

Trainer Ms Pam Gerard admitted the breach, as endorsed on the Information, but did not wish to be present at the hearing.

Rule 537(a) provides as follows:

The Trainer or Owner or lessee (as the case may be), or the Agent of the Trainer or Owner or lessee (as the case may be), of a horse accepted or deemed to have been accepted for a Race shall declare to NZTR the name of the Rider of that horse by the time and date specified by NZTR for declaration of Riders for that Race.

EVIDENCE:

The Information outlined the breach. Ms Jillings elaborated, saying that Ms Gerard advised the bureau late (yesterday at 2.37pm). Her reason to the Stewards was that there was a lack of Riders and that Riders these days, were not ringing around scouting for rides like they used to.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it was deemed proved.

PENALTY SUBMISSIONS:

Ms Jillings advised that this was Ms Gerard’s fifth breach of the Rule within the last 120 days, hence the filing of the Information. The previous penalties were as follows:

• 20 December 2025 – $50 fine

• 18 January 2026 – $100 fine

• 5 February 2026 – $150 fine

• 13 February 2026 – $300

Ms Jillings named at least 6 Riders who had been available to take rides, with one of those, C Barnes, eventually riding the horse. She sought an increase on the previous $300 fine.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee reiterates that the timely notification of Riders remains a critical procedural obligation, ensuring transparency, fairness to all participants, and the smooth administration of racing. It is the responsibility of the Licensed Trainer to declare a Rider for their horse.

Despite multiple prior breaches and escalating penalties, Ms Gerard has again failed to comply with this requirement. This latest breach is her fifth within the current 120-day reset period, demonstrating an ongoing disregard for the Rule. Previous sanctions have not achieved the desired deterrent effect, and the Adjudicative Committee therefore considers a further increase in penalty both appropriate and necessary to promote future compliance.

CONCLUSION:

Class A Trainer, Pam Gerard, is fined the sum of $350.