Auckland TR 7 May 2025 – R2 – Courtney Barnes

ID: RIB54919

Respondent(s):
Courtney Renee Barnes - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr A Dooley - Senior Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr M Godber

Persons Present:
Mr A Dooley, Ms K Jillings - Stipendiary Steward, Ms C Barnes

Information Number:
A19223

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Whip used when her horse was out of contention of running in the first five

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
PINKY PIE

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
07/05/2025

Race Club:
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing

Race Location:
Ellerslie Racecourse - 100 Ascot Ave, Ellerslie, Auckland, 1050

Race Number:
R2

Hearing Date:
07/05/2025

Hearing Location:
Ellerslie Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Courtney Barnes is fined $300

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 2, Ms C Barnes admitted a charge of using her whip when her horse was out of contention. The charge was issued under Rule 638(3)(f)(iii) which requires

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

Details of the breach are as follows:

“Used her whip on PINKY PIE when out of contention of running in the first five placings”.

Stipendiary Steward Ms K Jillings identified the incident through available film. Between the top of the straight and just short of the finish line, Ms Barnes is seen to strike her mount on 4 occasions. Ms Barnes confirmed that she agreed with the count.

PINKY PIE finished 9th in a field of 11 horses, being 7 lengths from the winner.

Ms Barnes had no comment, other than she was disappointed in her horse’s performance.

Decision:

As Ms Barnes admitted the breach, it is deemed to be proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Dooley confirmed that Ms Barnes has a clear record under this Rule and recommended the Penalty Guide for this breach, of a $300 fine.

Reasons for Penalty:

The film clearly identifies the Respondent striking her mount with most, if not all strikes, subsequent to the horse being out of any contention.

Under the Penalty Guide, a $300 fine is set as a starting point and the Adjudicative Committee considered this to be appropriate.

Conclusion:

Ms Barnes is fined a sum of $300.

Decision Date: 07/05/2025

Publish Date: 09/05/2025