Auckland TR 8 November 2025 – R4 – Sam McNab
ID: RIB60403
Animal Name:
PRINCESS ELLY
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
08/11/2025
Race Club:
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing
Race Location:
Pukekohe Park - 222/250 Manukau Road, Pukekohe Hill, Pukekohe, 2120
Race Number:
R4
Hearing Date:
08/11/2025
Hearing Location:
Pukekohe
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Sam McNab is fined $500
Evidence
Following the running of Race 4, Apprentice Rider Mr Sam McNab admitted a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(i) in that he used his whip on PRINCESS ELLY 8 times prior to the 100-metre mark.
Mr McNab confirmed that he understood the Rule and admitted the breach. Although Apprenticed to Mr Tony Pike, Trainer Chris McNab, was present to assist him.
Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides: A Rider must not strike a horse with the whip more than five times prior to the 100 metres mark.
Stipendiary Steward Mr Jones presented the race replay and identified PRINCESS ELLY ridden by Mr McNab. The footage showed that Mr McNab struck his mount eight times before reaching the 100-metre mark, being three strikes more than permitted.
Mr McNab accepted the Stewards’ count and explained that it was a misjudgement, as he lost count of the number of strikes.
Decision
As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee found the charge proved.
Submissions on Penalty
Mr Jones advised that this was Mr McNab’s first breach of the Whip Rule. He said that although PRINCESS ELLY won the race, Mr McNab only used his whip sparingly from the 100m to the finish.
The Stewards submitted that a fine of $500 was an appropriate penalty, in line with the NZTR Penalty Guide for a first offence of three additional strikes.
Mr Chris McNab said Sam McNab had only been riding for 3 months and it was his first whip offence.
Reasons for Penalty
The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a $500 fine for a first breach involving three additional strikes.
After reviewing the film evidence, considering the submissions, and assessing the number and frequency of strikes, the Adjudicative Committee noted that although Mr McNab went on to win the race, his low level use of the whip over the final 100 metres did not warrant an uplift.
Accordingly, the Adjudicative Committee found no compelling reason to depart from the Penalty Guide starting point, and Mr McNab is fined $500.
Conclusion
Mr Sam McNab is fined $500.
Decision Date: 08/11/2025
Publish Date: 11/11/2025