Auckland TR 1 January 2026 – R8 – Angela Jones

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 8, Jockey Ms A Jones, admitted a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(i) in that, as the Rider of SANTA CATALINA, she struck her mount 6 times prior to the 100 metres.

Because the total number of strikes in this instance was 11, the defence that might otherwise have applied (ie there were a total of 10 or less strikes), was not available to her.

Rule 638(3) 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)   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:

Deputy Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr B Jones, showed a video replay of the final 300 metres of the race. He pointed out SANTA CATALINA, challenging down the outside. He showed that Ms Jones commenced using her whip shortly thereafter, and while her strikes were spaced, there were a total of 6 before the 100 metres, and a further 5 in the final 100 metres before the finishing line. The Respondent went on to win the race.

Ms Jones agreed with the Stewards’ count.

DECISION:

The charge is admitted and is therefore deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Jones noted that as Ms Jones was an Australia Rider and this was the first time she has ridden in New Zealand, she had a clear record in this country under this Rule.

While the Penalty Guide starting point for a first breach under this Rule is a warning, where a breach occurs in a stake or Group Race, no warnings are permitted and the starting point for a fine is an amount equal to 50% of the Jockey’s share of the stake earned. In this case, the stake for first placing was $143,750 and the Rider’s fee for winning was $7,187.

Therefore the 50% starting point for a fine was $3,593 and the Stewards recommended a fine should be approximately in line with this calculation.

Ms Jones had no comment to make.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

As noted above, under the RIB Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide, in a stakes or Group Race, no warnings are permitted and the starting point for a fine is an amount equal to 50% of the Jockey’s share of the stake earned. In this case, the stake for first was $143,750 and the Rider’s fee for winning was $7,187.

Therefore 50% of Ms Jones’ share amounted to $3,593.

After considering all the circumstances, including the fact that the number of strikes was only one over the limit, the Adjudicative Committee set a fine of $3,500 as appropriate in this case.

CONCLUSION:

The Respondent, Jockey Ms A Jones, is fined $3,500.