Auckland TR 25 May 2025 – R7 – Yuga Okubo

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 7, Apprentice Rider Yuga Okubo, assisted by Trainer Mr Tony Pike,  admitted a charge of using his whip when his horse was out of contention. The charge was filed pursuant to Rule 638(3)(f)(iii) which provides that:

…a Rider must not use his or her whip …  when the Rider’s horse is out of contention.

Particulars of the Charge are as follows:

“Used his whip on MAGEE when out of contention of running in the first five placings”.

Mr Okubo confirmed that he understood the nature of the charge.

Using available race films, Stipendiary Steward Mr Dooley demonstrated the incident.  He identified MAGEE, who was racing in last place as the field entered the home straight.   From the straight entrance to mid-way up the straight, Mr Okubo struck his mount on 4 occasions.  Mr Dooley acknowledged the first two strikes may have been applied to test whether MAGEE would respond and run on.  However, when the second two strikes were applied, Mr Dooley said it was clear that MAGEE was never in contention of finishing in the first five placings.

MAGEE  finished in 12th place (second to last) and was 8.4 lengths from the winner, and over 7 lengths from finishing in the first five placings.

Mr Okubo advised that he agreed with the Stewards’ interpretation of the incident.

Decision:

As Mr Okubo admitted the breach, it is deemed to be proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Dooley confirmed that Mr Okubo has a clear record under this Rule and recommended a $300 fine, as per the Penalty Guide. He pointed out that Mr Okubo is an inexperienced Apprentice Rider, having had 24 race rides this season.  Mr Dooley also advised that Mr Okubo received a warning on 18 May 2025, for a similar breach.

Mr Pike said that he assisted Mr Okubo during the post-race investigation into his previous breach on 18 May 2025. He pointed out that the previous breach was very low-end, whereas he accepted that this breach was more clear-cut. Mr Pike acknowledged that the final two of the four strikes were unnecessary.

Reasons for Penalty:

The race films clearly showed that the Respondent struck his mount when out of contention and it was apparent that it had no chance of finishing in the first five placings, when the strikes were applied.

The Penalty Guide provides for a starting point fine of $300.  The Adjudicative Committee considered this to be an appropriate penalty under the circumstances.

Conclusion:

Mr Okubo is fined a sum of $300.