Marton JC 24 August 2025 – R7 – Chris Dell

ID: RIB58179

Respondent(s):
Christopher Dell - Jockey

Applicant:
Ms K Jillings - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Hon J W Gendall KC (Chair)

Persons Present:
Ms K Jillings, Ms R Greig - Stipendiary Steward, Mr C Dell

Information Number:
A17709

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Breach of Whip Rule

Rule(s):
638(3)(f)(ii) - Contravention whip rule

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
FLYING CELEBRATION

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
24/08/2025

Race Club:
Marton Jockey Club

Race Location:
Awapuni Racing Centre - 67 Racecourse Road, Awapuni, Palmerston North, 4412

Race Number:
R7

Hearing Date:
24/08/2025

Hearing Location:
Awapuni Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Chris Dell is fined $250

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 7, the “ANTON’S BAR MARTON 1700″, Ms Jillings presented an Information charging Mr C Dell, the Rider of ‘FLYING CELEBRATION”, with a breach of Whip Rule 638(3)(f)(ii), in that he used his whip with his arm raised above shoulder height on 2 occasions in the final straight.

Mr Dell admitted the charge.

The race films depicted Mr Dell striking his mount twice in the final straight, with the prohibited action of raising his whip arm above shoulder height, in order to urge the horse into a dividend bearing place.

DECISION:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Ms Jillings advised that Mr Dell is a busy Rider, having had 178 rides in the past 6 months, with significant success, and a good record.  He received one warning on 25 July 2025 for a whip breach, but no convictions.

Mr Dell said he had no excuse to put forward, but simply erred in his style when endeavouring to assist his horse and its connections.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

From a starting point of $250, there are no relevant aggravating or mitigating factors so as to require any change from that.

CONCLUSION:

Accordingly, Mr Dell is fined $250.

Decision Date: 24/08/2025

Publish Date: 26/08/2025