Auckland TR 19 September 2026 – R5 – Joe Nishizuka

Evidence

Following the running of Race 5, the Respondent Joe Nishizuka, Apprentice Rider, admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres, in that he struck his mount 9 times prior to the 100m.

Trainer Graham Richardson was present to assist.

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, Mr Oatham demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 9 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.

Mr Nishizuka accepted the evidence.

Decision

As Mr Nishizuka admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Oatham produced the Respondent Joe Nishizuka’s record, which indicated 3 previous charges under this Rule within the reset period. The first was on 1 April 2026, when he was fined $400, a second on 5 July 2026 – suspended 5 days and a third on 11 July – suspended 6 days. On each of these occasions, he had struck his mount on 8 occasions. Mr Oatham submitted that given this record, the suggested penalty be a suspension of 7-8 days.

Mr Nishizuka and Mr Richardson had no submissions as to penalty. A deferment of suspension was sought until the end of racing on 26 September 2026.

Reasons for Penalty

After considering the film evidence, the submissions and having due regard for the number and frequency of strikes, the Adjudicative Committee determined there is no compelling reasons to depart from the starting point suggested by Mr Oatham.

As this is the Respondent’s 4th charge with 9 strikes, a suspension of 7 days is imposed.

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted.

Conclusion

The Respondent Joe Nishizuka is granted deferment until after racing on 26 September. His Licence to ride in races is suspended for 7 days, from close of racing on 26 September 2026, until close of racing on 9 October 2026.