Auckland TR 4 November 2025 – R8 – George Rooke

BACKGROUND

Following the running of Race 8, Class A Rider George Rooke admitted a charge of excessive use of the whip. The particulars of the charge were that he allegedly struck his mount, SHARP ‘N’ SMART, with the whip 9 times prior to the 100 metre mark.

Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides that, in a Flat Race or Trial, 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).

At the start of the hearing, Mr Rooke confirmed his admission of the breach and that he understood the Rule and the nature of the charge.

EVIDENCE

Mr Oatham used the available race videos to identify the Respondent riding SHARP ‘N’ SMART, who was improving in the centre of the track as the field come around the turn into the straight. He identified that Mr Rooke used the whip twice around the bend into the straight and applied 7 more strikes down the straight before the 100 metre point. Twice with his left hand and then switching to the right hand, with 5 further strikes. The 9th strike was just before the 100 metre point and the Adjudicative Committee checked the 9th strike from both front and side on video to confirm that it occurred before the 100 metres.

SHARP ‘N’ SMART went on to run third in the race.

Mr Rooke agreed with the Stewards’ count of 9 whip strikes prior to the 100 metre mark. He said the horse had required encouragement to give its best and this was the first time he had breached the Whip Rules. The final strike was only just before the 100 metres.

DECISION

As Mr Rooke has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY

Stewards advised that Mr Rooke had a clear record under r 638(3)(g)(i). Mr Oatham noted that Mr Rooke was a very busy Rider and had an exceptional record, this being his first breach of the Whip Rule in over 600 rides.

Mr Oatham referred to the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide, which proposes a starting point of a 5 day suspension for a first breach involving 4 additional whip strikes prior to the 100-metre mark.

The fact that SHARP ‘N’ SMART went on to run 3rd with a stake of $13,500, should be considered an aggravating factor, Mr Oatham said. He pointed out the Penalty Guide provides for a fine of 50% of the Rider’s share of stake money earned for breaches of the Whip Rule in any black type race. The Elsdon Park Balmerino Stakes was a Group 3 event. He advised that 50% of Mr Rooke’s share of the Rider’s fee would be $337.  Mr Oatham recommended a fine in that vicinity would be appropriate in addition to any suspension.

Mr Rooke requested a deferment and that the penalty be set at a 4 day suspension, but with an increase in the fine, as he had important rides in feature races on the first two days of the Riccarton Cup Carnival. A 4 day suspension would mean he would miss only one and not two days of the Carnival.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

The Penalty Guide suggests a starting point of a 5 day suspension for a first breach of r 638(3)(g)(i) involving 4 additional whip strikes. The Adjudicative Committee adopted this amount as the starting point.

Mr Rooke earned a total of $675 from his winning ride on SHARP ‘N’ SMART, comprising his percentage of the winning stake (5% of $13,500). The Penalty Guide suggests a fine of 50% of a Rider’s fee in any black type race. The Adjudicative Committee agreed with the Penalty Guide and has applied a fine of $300.

While Mr Rooke has an exceptional record with no whip charges in over 600 rides, the Whip Penalty Guide reflects the industry’s strong stance on animal welfare, therefore the Adjudicative Committee could not accept his proposal to reduce the suspension and increase the fine.

Therefore, after considering all the submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined that a 5 day suspension and $300 fine was appropriate. A deferment was sought and approved for the suspension to commence after racing on Thursday 6 November, up to and including racing on Friday 14 November (5 national riding days) and a fine of $300.

CONCLUSION

Mr G Rooke is suspended for 5 days and fined $300.