Matamata RC 16 September 2026 – R5 – Jack Taplin

BACKGROUND

Following the running of Race 5, the ‘Waharoa Heavy Diesel 1200” the Respondent, Class B Rider Jack Taplin admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d). The Information alleged that “he permitted his mount ‘BALLS OF FIRE’ to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of ‘TYRUS’, which was checked near the 800 metres”.

As Mr Taplin is a Class B Rider, he was assisted during the hearing by Senior Rider Mr W Pinn.

At the commencement of the hearing, Mr Taplin confirmed that he admitted the charge and that he understood the Rule and the nature of the breach.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides:

A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.

Rule 642(2)(b) relating to the definition of interference provides:

(i) a horse crossing another horse without being at least its own length and one other clear length in front of such other horse at the time of crossing

EVIDENCE

Using the available race films, Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr Goodwin demonstrated the incident and identified the horses involved, namely BALLS OF FIRE (J Taplin), and TYRUS (E Leighton).  Mr Goodwin explained that, approaching the 800 metre bend, Mr Taplin was looking to get a run closer to the rail. Ms Leighton’s mount (TYRUS) was racing keenly and did shift out marginally, but it was the Stewards’ submission that Mr Taplin moved inwards without the required separation of his own length plus one other length. This pressure resulted in Ms Leighton having to check her mount and she lost one and a half to two lengths. Mr Goodwin did point out that Ms Leighton had a clear running line before Mr Taplin moved inwards, irrespective of Ms Leighton having difficulty controlling her mount.

In response, on behalf of Mr Taplin, Mr Pinn pointed out that Ms Leighton’s mount was racing erratically approaching the bend. He explained that Riders are usually seeking a run closer to the rail at this point and Mr Taplin misjudged the separation before moving inwards.

DECISION

As the Respondent admitted the charge, the Adjudicative Committee finds it to be proved.

PENALTY SUBMISSIONS

Ms Jillings submitted that this was Mr Taplin’s third breach of the Rule in the past 12 months, from 509 race rides.  His previous breaches occurred on 17 April 2026, resulting in a 4-day suspension and on 14 May 2026, resulting in a 6-day suspension.  Ms Jillings submitted that Stewards assessed the breach as being just below mid-range.

Mr Pinn, in support of Mr Taplin, proposed that the offence be considered as low range and requested that Mr Taplin’s good record, and his apprentice status be taken into account.  Mr Taplin requested that the Adjudicative Committee considers a deferment of penalty, until after racing on 26 September 2026.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

The available film did, to the satisfaction of the Adjudicative Committee, identify the breach. Mr Taplin was insufficiently clear, when allowing his mount to move inwards pursuant to Rule 642(2)(b)(i), applying pressure to Ms Leighton’s mount, causing it to be checked and lose momentum, despite it’s poor racing manners. After due consideration, the Adjudicative Committee determined the breach to be low to mid-level. The Penalty Guide provides a 6-day suspension as the starting point for this range of offence.

The Adjudicative Committee acknowledged that Mr Taplin was a relatively busy Apprentice Rider with a good record, this being his third breach of the Rule in the past 12 months, over 509 rides. Credit was given for his Apprentice status and his frank admission of the offence. Taking these factors into account, the Adjudicative Committee considered that a one-day reduction be applied to the 6-day starting point. Mr Taplin’s request for deferment of penalty was granted.

CONCLUSION

Class B Rider Mr Jack Taplin’s License to ride in races is suspended for a period of 5 days. This will commence after racing on 26 September 2026 and conclude after racing on 4 October 2026.