Auckland TR 6 December 2025 – R6 – Tayla Mitchell
ID: RIB61535
Animal Name:
THATS GOLD
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
06/12/2025
Race Club:
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing
Race Location:
Pukekohe Park - 222/250 Manukau Road, Pukekohe Hill, Pukekohe, 2120
Race Number:
R6
Hearing Date:
06/12/2025
Hearing Location:
Pukekohe
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Tayla Mitchell is fined $300
EVIDENCE:
Following the running of Race 6, Apprentice Rider, Tayla Mitchell admitted a breach of Rule 638(3)(f)(ii) where it was alleged, she used her whip with arm above shoulder height in the final straight on her mount THAT’S GOLD on one occasion.
Ms Mitchell was assisted at the hearing by Senior Rider Ms L Satherley.
Rule 638(3) provides as follows:
(f) Without limiting the generality of subrule 638(3)(e), in a Flat Race or Jumping Race, a trial (including jump-outs and/or tests for certification purposes) a Rider must not use his or her whip:
(ii) using an action that raises the Rider’s arm above shoulder height.
Senior Stipendiary Steward Ms Kinsey showed the breach using available race films and ‘froze’ the frame at the point where Ms Mitchell raised her arm above shoulder height. The breach was clearly evident.
In response to the charge, Ms Mitchell said that this was her first breach of the Rule (638(3)(f)(ii)). She explained that during the incident, she inadvertently dropped her head at the same time as she raised her whip. As a result, her actions may have appeared more serious than they actually were.
DECISION:
The charge was admitted and is accordingly found proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mr Davidson said that this is Ms Mitchell’s first charge under the Rule. Following Race 3, she received a ‘first warning’ for breaching the Rule.
Mr Davidson submitted the Penalty Guide provides for a $250 fine for a first breach. He added that in view of the breach having occurred in a Group 3 Race, a very modest uplift should be applied.
Ms Satherley in support, said that the penalty should reflect the fact that Ms Mitchell is an Apprentice Rider who due to her status, receives a reduced riding fee.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
In deciding penalty, the Adjudicative Committee considered the starting point of $250 for a first breach of the Rule and applied a $50 uplift in recognition of the Group 3 status of the race.
CONCLUSION:
The Respondent, Apprentice Rider Ms Mitchell is fined $300.
Decision Date: 06/12/2025
Publish Date: 08/12/2025