Auckland TR 23 April 2025 – R7 – Ryan Elliot

ID: RIB54229

Respondent(s):
Ryan Trevor Elliot - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr A Dooley - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr G Jones

Persons Present:
Mr Dooley, Mr Elliot (via phone)

Information Number:
A19221

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Use of whip above shoulder height

Rule(s):
638(3)(f)(ii) - Contravention whip rule

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
CAST OF DIAMONDS

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
23/04/2025

Race Club:
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing

Race Location:
Pukekohe Park - 222/250 Manukau Road, Pukekohe Hill, Pukekohe, 2120

Race Number:
R7

Hearing Date:
23/04/2025

Hearing Location:
Pukekohe

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Ryan Elliot is fined $300

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 7, Class A Rider Mr R Elliot admitted using his whip in an action above shoulder height.

Mr Elliot had left the course prior to the offence being detected.  He was contacted by Stewards via phone and advised that an Information will be filed and he agreed to join the hearing via his mobile phone.  The Adjudicative Committee offered an adjournment, but Stewards were happy for the charge to proceed.  The charge was heard after the last race.

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

Without limiting the generality of subrule 638(3), in a Flat Race . . . A Rider must not use his / her whip:

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

EVIDENCE:

Using the race films, Stipendiary Steward Mr Dooley demonstrated that in the home straight, Mr Elliot struck his mount CAST OF DIAMONDS, using an action with his arm raised above shoulder height on 3 occasions.

The strikes were described to Mr Elliot.  In particular, he had received a warning following Race 3 for a similar breach and was advised that the strikes were of the same nature as the one for which he received the warning.   Mr Elliot accepted the Steward’s interpretation and had nothing further to add.

DECISION:

As Mr Elliot admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the charge proved.

SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY:

Mr Dooley advised that, other than the warning he received following Race 3, Mr Elliot had a clear record under this Rule.  He said that Stewards recommended a fine of $250, which is the starting point in the Penalty Guidelines for a first offence.

Mr Elliot had nothing to add concerning penalty.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The films showed 3 strikes above the shoulder.  From a $250 starting point, a $50 uplift was applied, due to the number strikes above shoulder height.  Accordingly, Mr Elliot is fined $300.

CONCLUSION:

Mr Elliot is fined $300.

Decision Date: 23/04/2025

Publish Date: 24/04/2025