Feilding JC 17 July 2026 – R7- Jonathan Riddell
ID: RIB69173
Animal Name:
MEGLIO DI FALCREST
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
17/07/2026
Race Club:
Feilding Jockey Club
Race Location:
Awapuni Racing Centre - 67 Racecourse Road, Awapuni, Palmerston North, 4412
Race Number:
R7
Hearing Date:
17/07/2026
Hearing Location:
Awapuni Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Jonathan Riddell is suspended for 5 days
Facts
Following the running of Race 7, Mr J Riddell admitted a charge that he used his whip eight times prior to the 100-metre mark.
Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides that in a Flat Race a Rider must not strike a horse with the whip more than five 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
Using the available race films, Mr Goodwin demonstrated that Mr Riddell struck his mount eight times prior to the 100-metre mark. He did not use the whip after that point.
Mr Riddell stated that during the race, he was aware he may have used the whip more times than permitted, which was why he did not use it again after the 100-metre mark.
Decision
As Mr Riddell admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.
Submissions on Penalty
Ms Selvakumaran produced Mr Riddell’s record, which shows one previous breach on 22 March 2026. On that occasion, he was fined $500 for using the whip three times in excess of the permitted number.
The Stewards submitted that penalty should be determined in accordance with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for excessive whip use.
Reasons for Penalty
Under the Penalty Guide, the applicable starting point for a second breach involving the use of the whip three strikes over the permitted number, is a suspension of five national riding days.
The Adjudicative Committee notes that this breach falls squarely within that category. It is Mr Riddell’s second offence, and it involves the same level of excess as his previous breach.
The Penalty Guide is prescriptive and designed to ensure consistency in outcomes for Whip Rule breaches. There are no aggravating factors that would warrant an uplift from the starting point.
Accordingly, the Adjudicative Committee adopts the starting point penalty without adjustment. Mr Riddell advised of riding commitments through until next Saturday.
Conclusion
Mr Riddell is suspended from the conclusion of racing on Saturday 25 July 2026, up to and including Sunday 2 August 2026, being five national riding days.
Decision Date: 17/07/2026
Publish Date: 22/07/2026