Ashburton Racing – 2 July 2026 – Race 4 – Tom Wigram

Evidence

Following the running of Race 5, Respondent Class B Rider Tom Wigram, admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres in “that when riding VAMOS, he struck his mount 8 times prior to the 100m.”

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

Mr Wigram was assisted at the hearing by Licensed Trainer Michael Pitman.

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,  Stipendiary Steward, Rebecca Haley pointed out Mr Wigram riding VAMOS, 3 wide and contending for the lead as the field turned for home. She demonstrated on the replays, that the Respondent struck his mount 8 times from near the 400m to the 100-metre mark.

Mr Wigram stated that he had misjudged his number of strikes before the 100m.

Decision

As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty

Ms Haley produced the Respondent’s record, which indicated a clear record.

She stated that the Penalty Guide for an initial breach of excessive whip use for 3 additional strikes, was a $500 fine.

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 that there were no aggravating factors to consider therefore no uplift in penalty warranted.

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

Conclusion

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