Auckland TR 8 March 2025 – R9 – Daniel Moor

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 9, the Group 1 Trackside New Zealand Derby, Mr D Moor (Class A Rider) admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.

The Information alleged that Mr Moor struck his mount THEDOCTOROFLOVE 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: 

Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr J Oatham demonstrated that in the home straight, Mr Moor struck his mount THEDOCTOROFLOVE 7 times prior to the 100 metres, with a further 6 strikes inside the last 100 metres.

Mr Moor agreed with the number of strikes. He noted the Australian Whip Rules were different to New Zealand, but acknowledged that he had to ride within the New Zealand Rules.

DECISION:

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

SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY:

Mr Oatham advised that Mr Moor was a busy Rider in Victoria. The Steward’s view was that for this charge in New Zealand, he should be considered to have a clear record.

The provision in the Penalty Guideline is for a fine of $250 for a first offence with two strikes over 5 before the 100 metres. However, Mr Oatham considered an uplift in fine was required, as this was a Group 1 Race, and the horse THEDOCTOROFLOVE had run second (stake $217,500).

He noted that under the Whip Guidelines for a Group and Listed Race, a fine of 50% of the Rider’s fee was a starting point for a fine. In this case, that would amount to a fine of approximately $5,000. He considered a fine of around $5,000 should be considered.

Mr Moor had no comment to make on the proposed fine.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee’s view was that due to the status of the race (Group 1) and the number of strikes above 5 before the 100 metres (two), an uplift in the fine from a starting point of $250 was required.

The Adjudicative Committee took a starting point of $5,000, which equated to approximately 50% of Mr Moor’s percentage as provided for in the Penalty Guide. There were no mitigating or aggravating circumstances, so the Adjudicative Committee confirmed the fine at $5,000.

CONCLUSION:

Mr Moor is therefore fined $5,000.