Auckland TR 1 January 2026 – R1 – Chris Dell

BACKGROUND

Following the running of Race 1, Class A Jockey, Mr C Dell, admitted a breach of Rule 638(3)(f)(ii) in that, as the Rider of SPECIAL SAKURA, he “used his whip above shoulder height on several occasions in the concluding stages of the race:

Rule 638(3)(f)(ii) provides:

(f)      Without limiting the generality of subrule 638(3)(e), in a Flat Race or Jumping Race, a trial (including jump-outs and/or tests for certification purposes) a Rider must not use his or her whip:

(ii) using an action that raises the Rider’s arm above shoulder height. 

EVIDENCE:

Chief Stipendiary Steward, Mr J Oatham, showed video replays of the final 200 metres of the race. He pointed out SPECIAL SAKURA, ridden by the Respondent, racing 4-wide and challenging for the lead. Mr Jones then illustrated that the Respondent used his whip on 9 occasions, 2 were compliant, 6 were above shoulder height in breach of the Rule and the final strike was marginal.

The Respondent accepted the alleged number of 6. He said that he was trying to adapt to the Rule (enacted February 2025).

DECISION:

The breach having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Deputy Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr B Jones, said that the Respondent had one previous breach of the Rule on his record in the past 12 months – on 24 /8/25, which resulted in a $250 fine. Mr Jones noted that as this was the second charge and the number of strikes (6) involved, an uplift was required and suggested a fine of between $500 and $600.

The Respondent had no comment to make, other than he had had a number of rides since his previous breach.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The RIB Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide makes no provision for a second breach involving using an action that raises the arm above shoulder height. The penalty is fact dependent and is left to the Adjudicative Committee’s discretion, based on the circumstances of the particular case.

It is relevant to consider, in this case, the totality of whip use – 6 strikes in total. In the view of the Adjudicative Committee, this breach was at the high end and on a premier race day. After considering all the circumstances, the Adjudicative Committee determined a fine of $600 was appropriate.

CONCLUSION:

Class A Jockey, C Dell is fined the sum of $600.