Auckland TR 7 May 2025 – R3 – Ryan Elliot

ID: RIB54922

Respondent(s):
Ryan Trevor Elliot - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr A Dooley - Senior Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr M Godber

Persons Present:
Mr A Dooley, Ms K Jillings - Stipendiary Steward, Mr R Elliot

Information Number:
A19224

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Using whip above shoulder height

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
NIKOSI

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
07/05/2025

Race Club:
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing

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

Race Number:
R3

Hearing Date:
07/05/2025

Hearing Location:
Ellerslie Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Ryan Elliot is fined $500

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 3, Class A Rider Mr R Elliot admitted using his whip in an action above shoulder height.

Rule 638(3)(f)(ii) provides:

Without limiting the generality of subrule 638(3), in a Flat Race . . . A Rider must not use his / her whip:

(ii)  using an action that raises the Rider’s arm above shoulder height.

EVIDENCE:

Using the race films, Stipendiary Steward Ms Jillings demonstrated that in the home straight, Mr Elliot struck his mount NIKOSI three times, using an action with his arm raised above shoulder height.

Mr Elliot accepted the Steward’s interpretation and stated he needed to concentrate more on his whip technique.

DECISION:

As Mr Elliot admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the charge proved.

SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY:

Ms Jillings advised that Mr Elliot had two previous breaches under this Rule, on 23 April 2025 at Auckland TR at Pukekohe Park and on 3 May at the Waikato TR Meeting at Te Rapa. On both occasions, he had been fined $300, an uplift of $50 on the Penalty Guide.

On 23 April, the uplift was, because on that occasion, there were 3 strikes.

On 3 May, the uplift was because it was his second offence, albeit there was only one strike.

This was his third charge under this Rule in 2 months and he had won the race. Mr Dooley considered this to be an aggravating factor and recommended a fine of $500.

Mr Elliot had nothing to add, concerning penalty.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The films clearly showed three strikes above the shoulder.  From a $250 starting point, a $250 uplift was applied, due to this being Mr Elliot’s third offence in a short space of time and the fact that he won the race. Mr Elliot is therefore fined $500.

CONCLUSION:

Mr Elliot is fined $500.

Decision Date: 07/05/2025

Publish Date: 09/05/2025