Ashburton RC 20 February 2026 – R6 – Akshay Balloo
ID: RIB64127
Animal Name:
RUFFHOUSE ROSIE
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
20/02/2026
Race Club:
Ashburton Racing Club
Race Location:
Ashburton Racecourse - Racecourse Road, Ashburton, 7700
Race Number:
R6
Hearing Date:
20/02/2026
Hearing Location:
Ashburton
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Akshay Balloo is suspended for 6 National Days
Evidence
Following the running of Race 6, the Respondent Class A Rider, Akshay Balloo, admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres in ” that when riding RUFFHOUSE ROSIE, 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.
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, with the assistance of Chief Stipendiary Steward John Oatham, demonstrated that RUFFHOUSE ROSIE, was in a prominent position and wide on the track as the field turned for home. He pointed out that the Respondent struck his mount 8 times, from inside the 400m to the 100-metre mark.
Mr Balloo stated that he did not dispute the number of strikes. He said that he missed counting from the home turn and got carried away, as the horse was in contention over the concluding stages.
Decision
As the Respondent Mr Balloo admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).
Submissions for Penalty
Ms Haley produced the Respondent’s record, which indicated two previous breaches over the prior 6 months being:
- 5 December 2025 – Riccarton – 9 strikes (5 day suspension)
- 24 December 2025 – Ashburton – 9 Strikes (6 day suspension)
Ms Haley stated the Penalty Guide for a 3rd breach of excessive whip use for 3 additional strikes, was a 5 plus day starting point.
Mr Balloo elected to make no submissions in regard to penalty, apart from requesting a deferment until after racing at Wingatui on 28 February 2026.
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:
3rd offence starting point 5 plus National Days where there are 3 additional strikes
This Adjudicative Committee determined that there were no aggravating factors to consider.
It was therefore determined that an appropriate penalty in this case was a 6 National Day suspension, commensurate with the Penalty Guide.
Conclusion
Mr Balloo’s application for a deferment until 28 February 2026 is granted.
The Respondent Mr Balloo is suspended for 6 National Days, from the conclusion of racing on 28 February 2026, up to and including 8 March 2026.
Decision Date: 20/02/2026
Publish Date: 23/02/2026