Auckland TR 6 December 2025 – R3 – Tayla Mitchell

Background

Following the running of Race 3, the Respondent, Apprentice Rider Ms Tayla Mitchell, admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.

Ms Mitchell was helped at the hearing by Senior Rider Ms C Barnes.

The Information alleged that Ms Mitchell struck her mount 7 times prior to the 100 metres.

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).

Evidence

Using the available race films, Senior Stipendiary Steward Ms Kinsey identified ANNIE OAKLEY, ridden by Ms Mitchell, racing back on the fence in the home straight. She showed that Ms Mitchell struck her mount 7 times, from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark.

Mr Davidson noted that from the 100-metre mark to the finish, Ms Mitchell struck her mount a further 4 times.

ANNIE OAKLEY finished in 5th place.

Ms Mitchell agreed with the number of strikes. By way of explanation, she said that she misjudged the position of the 100-metre mark.

Decision

As Ms Mitchell admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Davidson told the Adjudicative Committee that this is Ms Mitchell’s fourth breach of the Whip Rule within the (6 month) reset period. Earlier breaches were:

23/8/25 – 7 strikes, 7-day suspension and $450 as this was a Group 2 Race

27/10/25 – 7 strikes, 6-day suspension

04/12/25 – 7 strikes, 8–day suspension

Mr Davidson said that for a fourth breach, the Penalty Guide provides a starting point penalty of a 5 plus day suspension. He added that Ms Mitchell has had 301 race rides during the previous 12 months; and Pukekohe has one of the longest home straights in New Zealand.

Ms Mitchell sought to defer any proposed suspension until after racing on 13 December 2025. She reiterated that she misjudged the 100-metre mark. She also said that she has had more race rides over the past 12 months, inferring that as a percentage of rides, she has had less breaches of the Whip Rule than previously.

In support, Ms Barnes said that she was willing to offer some guidance to Ms Mitchell concerning her whip use. She added that because Pukekohe has such a long home straight, many Riders “get caught out.”

Reasons for Penalty

Ms Mitchell struck her mount 7 times prior to the 100 metres. The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is a 5 (+) day suspension.

This is now Ms Mitchell’s fourth whip breach within the 6-month reset period. Ms Mitchell is a recidivist whip offender. Previous suspensions do not appear to have been a deterrent. Her offending has got to a point where she is in serious need of education and guidance. It is therefore strongly recommended that she seek help from the Northern Rider Mentor. In addition, it is recommended that she be referred to the Rider Skills Panel.

Following her earlier breach on 4 November 2025, the Adjudicative Committee was told that Ms Mitchell will receive further guidance. Ms Mitchell said that she is yet to receive any help.

After considering the circumstances of the breach, Ms Mitchell’s poor record and the submissions, a 6-day suspension is imposed.

Conclusion

Ms Mitchell’s Licence to ride in races is suspended from the conclusion of racing on 13 December 2025, up to and including racing on Wednesday 24 December 2025 (6 national riding days).