Ashburton RC 19 October 2025 – R6 – Billy Jacobson

Following the running of Race 6, Hygain Stayers Challenge Handicap 2200, Class A Jockey Billy Jacobson, admitted a charge that, as the Rider of JETHRO in the race, he struck his mount 9 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).

EVIDENCE:

Stipendiary Steward Rebecca Haley, showed a video replay of the final 300 metres of the race. She pointed out JETHRO, ridden by Mr Jacobson, racing handy behind the leaders as the field turned into the final straight. Ms Haley then pointed out that Mr Jacobson commenced using his whip and, from that point, struck his mount nine times prior to the 100 metres.

Mr Jacobson accepted Ms Haley’s evidence regarding the number of strikes. He apologised for the breach and explained that his mount was running on and he miscounted, or did not count.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Ms Haley said that Mr Jacobson’s record showed one previous breach of the Rule – at Oamaru on 20 July 2025, suspended 6 days for 8 strikes prior to the 100 metres.

As a second breach involving four strikes over the permitted five, the Penalty Guide starting point is a suspension of 5-plus days, Ms Haley said.

The Adjudicative Committee noted that JETHRO finished in 4th placing.

Mr Jacobson requested a deferment of any term of suspension until after the meeting of Canterbury Racing on 25 October 2025.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

This was a second breach by Mr Jacobson for using his whip, on this occasion, clearly nine times, being four more than the permitted five times, prior to the 100 metres. He has made a very frank admission of the breach.

The RIB Thoroughbred Penalty Guide (February 2025) suggests a penalty starting point for a second breach involving four additional strikes of “suspension 5+ National Days”. There are no relevant aggravating or mitigating factors.

The Adjudicative Committee noted that Mr Jacobson’s previous breach, a fourth breach, three months ago, attracted a suspension of 6 days. The first, second and third breaches have since “dropped off” Mr Jacobson’s record, and the present breach is, therefore, his second for penalty purposes.

The Penalty Guide starting point for a first breach is 5-plus days. An appropriate penalty for a second breach is 6 days.

CONCLUSION:

Mr Jacobson’s application for a deferment is granted.

Class A Jockey, Billy Jacobson’s Licence to ride in races is suspended from after the close of racing on 25 October 2025, up to and including 2 November 2025 – 6 national riding days – after which date he may ride.