R Te Aroha 18 September 2026 – R7 – Luca Remondet

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 7, Class D Jockey, Luca Remondet, admitted a charge that, as the Rider of MISTER PUCCI, he “struck his mount 10 times prior to the 100 metres”.

Rule 638 provides:

(g) Subject to the other requirements this Rule 638(3), in a Flat Race or trial (including jump-outs and/or tests for certification purposes), a Rider must not:

(i) except as provided for in (iii) (A) and (iii) (B) of this sub-Rule, strike a horse with a whip more than 5 times prior to the 100-metre mark (other than in a slapping motion down the shoulder with the whip hand remaining on the reins).

Mr Remondet advised he understood the Rule and admitted the charge.

EVIDENCE:

Stipendiary Steward, J Laking, showed a video replay of the final 600 metres of the race. He pointed out MISTER PUCCI, ridden by Mr Remondet, mid field on the fence. Mr Laking identified that Mr Remondet used his whip twice turning into the straight and a further 8 times before the 100 metre point. MISTER PUCCI finished 5th in the race.

Mr Remondet accepted the Steward’s interpretation.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Davidson said that Mr Remondet had a clear record under this Rule.

He noted that under the Penalty Guide, the starting point for a first breach of 4 or more additional strikes is a “Suspension of 1 Race National Jumps Day”. However, as this weekend is the end of the Jumps Season, the matter must be dealt with by way of a monetary fine. Mr Davidson recommended a fine of $500 to $600.

Mr Remondet had no comment to make on the recommended penalty.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The RIB Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide (March 2024) suggests a starting point for a first breach involving “4 or more additional strikes” of a “Suspension 1 Race Day for Jumping Riders”. As Mr Davidson noted, being the end of the Jumps Season, a monetary penalty will have to apply.

Under the Penalty Guide, the fine for 3 additional strikes is $500. While Mr Remondet has a clear record and admitted the charge, the fact that he had 5 additional strikes, must necessarily require a fine above the starting point fine for 3 additional strikes.

After considering all the circumstances, the Adjudicative Committee determined that a fine of $600 was appropriate.

CONCLUSION:

Class D Jockey, Mr L Remondet is fined $600.