Canterbury Jockey Club – September 13 2025 – Race 6 – Yogesh Atchamah
ID: RIB58785
Animal Name:
MATSCOT
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
13/09/2025
Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club
Race Location:
Riccarton Park - 165 Racecourse Road, Christchurch,
Race Number:
R6
Hearing Date:
13/09/2025
Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Mr Atchamah was fined the sum of $500.
Evidence
Following the running of Race 6 the Respondent Class B Rider, Yogesh Atchamah admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.
The Information alleged that as the Rider of MATSCOT “he struck his mount 8 times prior to the 100m.”
The Respondent acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach.
Mr Atchamah was assisted at the hearing by NZTR Apprentice Mentor, Jason Laking.
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); or
Using the available race films Chief Stipendiary Steward John Oatham (Chair) demonstrated on the side on replays that Mr Atchamah struck his mount 8 times from inside the 400m to the 100-metre mark with only 1 further strike inside the 100m.
Mr Atchamah elected to make no submissions in regard to the breach.
Decision
As the Respondent admitted the breach the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).
Submissions For Penalty
Mr Oatham produced the Respondent’s record which indicated a clear record over the prior 12 months.
He stated the Penalty Guide provided for an initial breach of excessive whip use, for 3 additional strikes, a starting point of a $500 fine.
Mr Oatham submitted that there were no aggravating factors present to consider
Mr Atchamah elected to make no submissions in regard to penalty.
Reasons For Penalty
The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is set out below.
For breaches of the Whip Rule prior to the 100m mark:
1st offence starting point $500 fine where there are 3 additional strikes.
This Committee determined that there were no aggravating factors to consider, therefore no uplift in penalty warranted.
It was therefore determined that an appropriate penalty in this case was a fine of $500, commensurate with the Penalty Guide.
Conclusion
Mr Atchamah is fined the sum of $500.
Decision Date: 13/09/2025
Publish Date: 15/09/2025