R Te Aroha 20 September 2026 – R4 – Darryl Horner (Jnr)

Evidence

Following the running of Race 4, the $200,000 Prestige B & R Foote Racing Great New Zealand Steeplechase, the Respondent Class D (Jumps Jockey) Mr Darryl Horner (Jnr) admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use.

The Information alleged that he struck his mount, the race winner CHRISTMAS, 8 times.

Rule 638(3)(h)(i) provides that a Jumps Rider must not (i) strike a horse with a whip more than 7 times in total (other than in a slapping motion down the shoulder with the whip hand remaining on the reins);

Using the available race films, Deputy Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr B Jones demonstrated that Mr Horner struck his mount, CHRISTMAS, eight times. He pointed out that the first strike was applied near the 500 metres, with a further seven strikes applied after jumping the final fence and before the finish of the race.

In response, Mr Horner made the following submissions:

1. This was the first time he has ridden in New Zealand.
2. The distance of the race was a factor (6200m).
3. His mount was tailed off for most of the race.
4. His mount was tiring near the finish and the margin (1¼ between first and second).

Decision

As Mr Horner admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Jones advised that Mr Horner has a clear record under the Rule in New Zealand and his previous breach in Australia occurred on 29 April 2025, which is therefore not a factor to be considered. He submitted that this breach occurred in a Prestige Race and in finishing in first place, Mr Horner’s share of the stake money is 10% of $115,000. 50% of his share equates to $5750. Mr Jones added that no warnings are permitted for breaches in Black Type or Prestige Races.

Mr Horner made no specific comment concerning penalty, other than the recommended fine was significant.

Reasons for Penalty

With regards to Whip Breaches in Jumps Races, the Penalty Guide provides:

• No warnings will be issued for breaches of the Whip Rules in any Prestige Jumping Race.
• In all breaches of the Whip Rules (638(3)(g) and 638(3)(h)) in any Prestige Jumping Race, a fine will be imposed in addition to any suspension provided for in the tables above.
• The starting point for any such fine will be an amount equal to 50% of the Jockey’s share of the stake earned by their mount or the starting point on the whip penalty table, whichever is greater, and may be in addition to any suspension imposed as above.

In determining penalty, the Adjudicative Committee considered Mr Horner’s submissions, including that he is an Australian-based Rider, the distance of the race, the fatigue factor, and the margin at the finish. Although Mr Horner was only one strike over the permitted number, the Adjudicative Committee did not consider those matters sufficiently persuasive to mitigate either the breach or the penalty. Warnings are not permitted in Prestige Races, and the extreme distance of the race and fatigue were factors affecting all runners and Riders.

After considering the film evidence and submissions and having due regard to the number of strikes, the Adjudicative Committee determined that a $5,750 fine be imposed, which is equal to 50% of his share of the stake earned by him for winning the race.

Note: Mr Horner also breached the Celebratory Gesture Rule, when he raised his arm above shoulder height when crossing the finish line. This was dealt with by way of a $300 fine issued pursuant to the Minor Infringement Schedule.

Conclusion

Mr Horner is fined $5,750.