Manawatu RC 20 December 2025 – R7 – Liam Kauri
ID: RIB62046
Animal Name:
FREDDIE TIME
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
20/12/2025
Race Club:
Manawatu Race Club
Race Location:
Trentham - 10 Racecourse Rd, Upper Hutt, 5018
Race Number:
R7
Hearing Date:
20/12/2025
Hearing Location:
Trentham Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Liam Kauri is fined $550
EVIDENCE:
Following the running of Race 7, the “HUMPHRIES CONSTRUCTION MANAWATU CUP”, Mr Goodwin presented an Information charging Mr Kauri, the Rider of FREDDIE TIME, with a breach of Whip Rule 638(3)(g)(i) in that he struck his mount with the whip on 7 occasions prior to the 100 metre mark. As he struck it a further 4 times inside the 100 metres mark, he did not have the benefit of an exemption from such breach (provided in sub clause (iii)(B).
Mr Kauri, assisted by Mr C Dell, admitted the breach of the Rule.
The race films illustrated that FREDDIE TIME, ridden by Mr Kauri, was mounting a strong run from mid-field, seeking to chase down SAGUNTO, which had led throughout. Mr Kauri was riding vigorously and between the 400 and 100 metre mark, struck his mount with the whip 7 times. He continued to apply the whip on 4 occasions after that point, as he closed quickly on SAGUNTO, but failed to win, only by a nose margin.
This was a Black Type (Group 3) Race, with a total stake of $120,000.
Mr Kauri said he became excited at the prospect of winning his first Black Type Race, and overreacted. Mr Dell pointed to several mitigating factors, which the Adjudicative Committee has kept in mind.
However where, as here, the permitted strikes (five) were exceeded by two, prior to the 100 metres mark, an offence is committed under Rule 638(3)(g)(i) and the exemption provided in Rule 638(3)(g)(iii)(B), could not be used, as it could only be invoked if the additional strikes did not exceed 3.
DECISION:
As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
This was Mr Kauri’s 2nd breach of the Whip Rule and the NZTR Guide provides for a fine of $500 or, because this was a Black Type Race, a starting point of an amount equal to 50% of the Jockey’s share of any stake, or a $500 fine, whatever is the higher figure.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
Mr Kauri’s 50% share of the stake for finishing 2nd would have been $1,100. Accordingly, a fine of 50% of that amount, namely $550 was required and such was imposed.
CONCLUSION:
Apprentice Jockey Liam Kauri is fined $550.
Decision Date: 20/12/2025
Publish Date: 23/12/2025