Auckland TC 29 October 2026 – R2 – Sheryl Wigg

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 2, the ‘’Dunstan Horsefeeds Mobile Pace” an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 869(2) and the Whip and Rein Regulations, in that ‘Ms Sheryl Wigg (RUSHKINOFF) used her whip with more than a wrist only flicking motion in the run home.’

Ms Wigg admitted the charge and confirmed that she understood the Rule and the nature of the charge.

Rule 869(2) provides that:

(2) No driver shall during any race use a whip in a manner in contravention of the Use of the Whip Regulations made by the Board

The Whip and Rein Regulations provide:

3.1 A driver may only apply the whip in a wrist only flicking motion whilst holding a rein in each hand with the tip of the whip pointed forward in an action which does not engage the shoulder
3.2 For purposes of clause 3.1, “wrist only flicking motion” means:
3.2.1 Ensuring no force is generated by the use of the elbow or shoulder when applying the whip
3.2.2 The forearm is not raised beyond forty-five degrees relative to the racing surface
3.2.3 Not applying the whip with overt force

EVIDENCE:

Using available film, Mr Butt demonstrated the incident. He identified Ms Wigg (RUSHKINOFF) approaching the final bend to the outside of the leading horse, racing competitively in second place.  Entering the final straight, Ms Wigg’s drive commenced to weaken its position, which resulted in Ms Wigg using her whip in a non-compliant manner. She struck her drive 4 times with some force, using her elbow, before returning to the compliant action. Despite this action, Ms Wigg’s drive continued to weaken, gaining a 5th placing. Mr Butt advised that Stewards categorised this breach as low level, as Ms Wigg returned to the correct technique for the remainder of the race.

Ms Wigg acknowledged the Stewards’ interpretation of the race and explained that her short stature made her raise her arms while using the whip and that this extenuated the incorrect technique.

DECISION:

As the charge was admitted, it was found proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Lomey outlined Ms Wigg’s clear charge record, as it relates to this Rule and related Regulations. She was issued with a warning in relation to whip use on the 25th of September, which is within the 2-month reset period. The Stewards remained of the view that on this occasion, the breach was low level and referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current Penalty Guide starting point for a first offence, low-level breach of a $300 fine or a 2-day suspension.

Ms Wigg had no comment regarding penalty submissions, but indicated a preference for a suspension and requested a deferment until after the end of racing on Wednesday 4 November 2026.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The available videos clearly identified the offence. The Adjudicative Committee was satisfied that the offence was low level, given that following the 4 strikes, Ms Wigg corrected her actions and drove to the end of the race in a compliant manner. The Adjudicative Committee acknowledged that Ms Wigg’s physical stature may have compounded her non-compliant technique. Ms Wigg was given credit for her frank admission of the breach and her clear record, but despite these mitigating factors, the Adjudicative Committee saw no reason to deviate from the starting point suspension of 2 Northern Days. Ms Wigg’s deferment was granted.

CONCLUSION:

Graduation Driver Ms Sheryl Wigg is suspended for 2 Northern Racing Days, starting from the end of racing on 4 November, until the end of racing on 13 November 2026.