Auckland TC 18 September 2026 – R6 – Nathan Purdon

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 6, the Caduceus Club 2 YO Fillies Classic Mobile ($95,000 Group 1), the Respondent Open Driver Nathan Purdon admitted a breach of Whip Rule 869(2).

The particulars of the charge are that when driving LADY DI, “he used his whip with more than a wrist flicking motion in the run home”.

Rule 869 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.

For the purposes of clause 3.1 of the Whip Use Regulations, “wrist only flicking motion” includes – Ensuring no force is generated by the use of the elbow or shoulder when applying the whip.

At the commencement of the hearing, Mr Purdon confirmed his admission of the breach. He also said that he understood the nature of the charge.

Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr McIntyre used available video footage to demonstrate the breach. He pointed out Mr Purdon driving LADY DI, who was racing in the centre of the track, competing for 5th place. Mr McIntyre demonstrated that near the 150 metres, Mr Purdon used his whip once in a not compliant manner, namely more than a wrist flicking motion. He said that during the one non-compliant strike, Mr Purdon engaged his forearm. He categorised the whip breach as being low range.

LADY DI finished in fifth place.

In response, Mr Purdon agreed with the Steward’s assessment of the breach and had nothing further to add.

Decision:

The charge is admitted and therefore proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr McIntyre submitted that Mr Purdon had a clear record under the Rule. He noted that the race was a Group 1 Race, carrying a stake of $95,000. Referring to the Penalty Guide, he submitted that the starting point for a breach of this nature was a 7-day suspension. However, given that the breach was assessed as low-end and involved one non-compliant strike, he submitted that a 5-day suspension would be appropriate.

Mr Purdon did not seek a deferment of any proposed suspension and had nothing further to add on penalty.

Reasons for Penalty:

For a breach of this nature in a Group 1 Race, or in any race carrying a stake of $95,000 or more, the Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a 7-day suspension and a fine. Where the breach is assessed as low-level, the fine is ordinarily 12.5% of the Driver’s share of the stake.

The Adjudicative Committee assessed the breach as low-level. Despite Mr Purdon’s clear record under the Rule, the Penalty Guide recommends that no warnings be issued in a Group 1 or Listed Races. It noted that Mr Purdon’s share of the stake for finishing in fifth place was minimal, being 12% of $300.

Having considered all relevant factors, the Adjudicative Committee determined that a 5-day suspension was an appropriate penalty in the circumstances. The fine was waived.

As Mr Purdon is a northern-based Trainer/Driver, the period of suspension was set to encompass five northern race meetings.

Conclusion:

Mr Purdon’s Licence to drive in races is suspended for five northern race days, commencing on 19 September 2026 and concluding at the end of racing on 8 October 2026, inclusive.