Auckland TR 6 June 2026 – R1 – Masa Hashizume
ID: RIB67918
Animal Name:
SWEET SMILE
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
06/06/2026
Race Club:
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing
Race Location:
Ellerslie Racecourse - 100 Ascot Ave, Ellerslie, Auckland, 1050
Race Number:
R1
Hearing Date:
06/06/2026
Hearing Location:
Ellerslie
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Masa Hashizume is fined $250
BACKGROUND:
Following the running of Race 1, Class A Jockey, Masa Hashizume, admitted a breach of Rule 638(3)(f)(ii) in that, he used his whip with his arm raised above shoulder height on three occasions when riding SWEET SMILE in the final straight.
Rule 638(3) provides as follows:
(f) Without limiting the generality of subrule 638(3)(e), in a Flat Race or Jumping Race, a trial (including jump-outs and/or tests for certification purposes) a Rider must not use his or her whip:
(ii) using an action that raises the Rider’s arm above shoulder height.
EVIDENCE:
Mr Oatham used the videos to show Mr Hashizume on the rail. Mr Hashizume raised his whip above the shoulder in his left hand on one occasion at the 100 metre mark. He then changed to his right hand and used the whip above shoulder height on a further 2 occasions
Mr Hashizume while admitting the charge, felt the first 2 strikes were marginal, but accepted the third was above shoulder height.
DECISION:
The breach having been admitted, it is deemed proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mr Oatham said Mr Hashizume had a clear record under this Rule and Mr Hashizume’s arm was only just above his shoulder for each strike. Under the Penalty Guide, the starting point for a first offence is a fine of $250 and Mr Oatham saw no reason to deviate from the guidelines.
Mr Hashizume felt there could be a consideration for a reduction in the fine as he had a clear record, had admitted the charge and was aware other whip charges had resulted in a reduction in fine.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
This was a clear breach of the Rule involving a whip action on three occasions, when the Respondent clearly raised his arm above shoulder height. The RIB Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide (February 2023) provides a starting point for a first breach of a $250 fine.
The Adjudicative Committee considered that while SWEET SMILE ran second and there were 3 strikes which could be considered aggravating factors, Mr Hashizume had a clear record, had admitted the breach and his arm was only just above shoulder height. Therefore, it was determined not to deviate from the Penalty Guide.
CONCLUSION:
The Respondent, Class A Jockey, Mr Masa Hashizume, is fined $250.
Decision Date: 06/06/2026
Publish Date: 08/06/2026