Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 24 October 2026 – R1 – Ohara Najib

Evidence

Following the running of Race 1, the Respondent, Class B Rider Ohara Najib, admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres “in that when riding QUERIDA, he struck his mount 8 times prior to the 100m.”

Trainer Michael Pitman was present at the hearing to assist Mr Najib.

The Respondent acknowledged he understood the Rule, the nature of the charge and confirmed his admission of the breach.

Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides that in a Flat Race a Rider must not:

(i) 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); or

Using the available race films, Chief Stipendiary Steward John Oatham showed Mr Najib racing midfield, as the field approached the 300m. He demonstrated on the replays, that the Respondent struck his mount 8 times from near the 300m to the 100-metre mark.

Mr Respondent elected to make no submissions in regard to the breach.

Decision

As the Respondent Mr Najib admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Oatham produced the Respondent Mr Najib’s record, which indicated a clear record.

He stated the Penalty Guide provided a $500 fine for an initial breach of excessive whip use for 3 additional strikes.

Mr Oatham stated that there were no aggravating factors to consider.

The Respondent elected to make no submissions in regard to penalty.

Reasons for Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is set out below.

For breaches of the Whip Rule prior to the 100m mark:

1st offence starting point $500 fine where there are 3 additional strikes

This Adjudicative Committee determined there were no aggravating factors to consider, therefore no uplift in penalty was warranted.

It was therefore determined that an appropriate penalty in this case, was a fine commensurate with the Penalty Guide, a fine of $500.

Conclusion

The Respondent Mr Najib is fined the sum of $500.