Ashburton RC 31 October 2025 – R9 – Tanya Jonker

ID: RIB60158

Respondent(s):
Tanya Jonker - Jockey

Applicant:
Mrs Veronica Fisher - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Dave Anderson

Persons Present:
Mr Davidson, Mr Wallis, Mrs Fisher - Stipendiary Stewards and Miss Jonker

Information Number:
A21751

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Shifting ground checking another runner.

Rule(s):
638(1)(d) - Riding/driving infringement

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
CAPTAIN UPHAM

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
31/10/2025

Race Club:
Ashburton Racing Club

Race Location:
Ashburton Racecourse - Racecourse Road, Ashburton, 7700

Race Number:
R9

Hearing Date:
31/10/2025

Hearing Location:
Ashburton Raceway

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Tanya Jonker is suspended for 6 days

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 9, Stipendiary Steward Mrs Veronica Fisher presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d) by Jockey Miss Tanya Jonker.

Miss Jonker stated she understood the Rule and Charge and confirmed her admission of the breach.

Mrs Fisher had Stipendiary Steward Mr Scott Wallis, identify Miss Jonker riding CAPTAIN UPHAM, racing one off the rail at approximately the 350m. Mrs Fisher said Miss Jonker has steered her horse outwards and into the racing line of WREN (B May), who was crowded and checked.

Miss Jonker said she thought she was clear, but has made an error of judgement.

DECISION:

The Respondent having admitted the breach, the charge was deemed to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mrs Fisher said she had a clear record under the Rule. She said Miss Jonker has had 91 rides in the last twelve months. Mrs Fisher said Stewards believe this breach falls between a low to mid-range incident.

Miss Jonker made no submissions on penalty, other than she wished to take any suspension immediately.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines provide a 6-day suspension for a low to mid-range breach of the Rule. The affected horse WREN was travelling strongly at the time and its Rider Mr May had informed the Stewards, on returning to scale, that he would have finished in the first four placings.

The Adjudicative Committee agree the breach to be at the aforementioned level and noted WREN, once regaining its balance, has run on solidly to finish in sixth place.

CONCLUSION:

The Adjudicative Committee find a six-day suspension to be appropriate in this case and Miss Jonker’s Licence to ride in races is suspended from the conclusion of racing today, up to and including racing on 8 November 2025.

Decision Date: 31/10/2025

Publish Date: 03/11/2025