Avondale JC 8 October 2025 – R1 – Floor Moerman

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 1, Apprentice Rider Miss Floor Moerman admitted a charge, pursuant to Rule 638(3)(f)(iii) alleging that she used her whip on her mount WHISKEY LULLABY when out of contention.

Miss Moerman stated she understood the Rule, the nature of the Charge, and confirmed her admission of the breach. Miss Moerman was assisted at the hearing by Apprentice Mentor Mr Noel Harris.

Rule 638(3)(f)(iii) provides that:

a Rider must not use his or her whip:

(iii)          when the Rider’s horse is out of contention of finishing in the first five placings;

Using available race films, Stipendiary Steward Mr Dooley identified WHISKEY LULLABY, ridden by Miss Moerman, in the run up the home straight from the 400 metres.  WHISKEY LULLABY was initially racing mid-field and then commenced to drift towards the rear of the field. Mr Dooley pointed out that Miss Moerman applied two or three strikes rounding the home turn, then a further four strikes when drifting out of contention.  He said that Stewards do not take issue with the first two strikes, but with regards to the other strikes, they were applied when there was never any chance of WHISKEY LULLABY finishing in the first five placings.

Miss Moerman had nothing further to add.  Mr Harris said the strikes were backhanded and were not aggressive.

DECISION:

Miss Moerman admitted the breach, and on that basis, the charge was deemed to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Dooley said that this is Miss Moerman’s third breach of the Rule.  The first was on 10 June 2025 and resulted in a $300 fine.  The second on 2 August 2025, resulted in a $500.  Mr Dooley advised the Penalty Guide does not specify a penalty starting point for a third breach.  He suggested that a suspension in the vicinity of 3 days would be appropriate.

Miss Moerman sought a deferment to any proposed suspension until after racing at Wingatui on 17 October 2025.  Mr Harris said that Miss Moerman is a South Island based Apprentice Rider.  He said that she takes rides, when offered, in the North Island.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

This being Miss Moerman’s third breach of the Rule within 4 months, a suspension, as opposed to a fine, is an appropriate penalty.  After considering Miss Moerman’s record and circumstances of the breach, a 3-day suspension was imposed.

CONCLUSION:

Apprentice Rider Miss Floor Moerman is suspended for 3 days, commencing after racing on 17 October 2025 and concluding after racing on 22 October 2025.