R Te Aroha 3 September 2026 – R6 – Joshua Parker

BACKGROUND

Following the running of Race 6, Class D Jumps Rider Mr J Parker was charged with a breach of Rule 638(5)(b) in that he failed to retire his mount HEY HEY HEY from the race when out of contention.

Rule 638(5)(b) provides:

A Rider in a Jumping race or trial must retire his or her horse from a race or trial immediately if:

(b) the horse is not in contention and/or is fatigued

EVIDENCE

Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr Dooley used the race films to demonstrate the breach. He pointed out that at the 1600 metres, HEY HEY HEY (J Parker) was detached from the body of the field by about 25 lengths from the second to last runner. As the race progressed, HEY HEY HEY was not making any discernible progress on the field.

Mr Dooley said that nearing the 700 metres, two runners were, quite correctly, retired from the race by their respective Riders and at that time, they were 10 lengths in front of HEY HEY HEY. Mr Parker continued to persevere with his mount. HEY HEY HEY was never in contention and at the finish, was more than 25 lengths behind the second last horse.

In response, Mr Parker stated that his mount was “not tired, but it was slow” and he accepted that he should have retired it from the race. He added that his mount does not respond to the whip, but at the 600 metres, he thought he may be able to run on and “pick up a placing”.

DECISION

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY

Mr Jones submitted that this is Mr Parker’s second breach of the Rule in the past 12 months. The previous breach was on 19 September 2025 and resulted in a $350 fine. He said that an uplift could be considered, given that the breach occurred in a Prestige Jumping Race.

Mr Parker had no comment.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

The films clearly support the charge. Mr Parker’s mount was never in contention and Mr Parker’s explanation that his mount was “slow” as opposed to fatigued or tired, does not justify his decision to persevere.

The penalty for a charge of this nature is fact dependent. In determining penalty, the Adjudicative Committee considered all relevant circumstances, including Mr Parker’s admission of the breach, his prior breach under the Rule, the status of the race, and the animal welfare considerations involved. The Adjudicative Committee adopted Mr Parker’s previous fine as the starting point and applied an uplift because the breach occurred in a Prestige Jumping Race. A fine of $400 was therefore imposed.

CONCLUSION

Class D Jockey Mr J Parker was fined $400.