Matamata RC 14 February 2026 – R4 – Toni Davies
ID: RIB63859
Animal Name:
OVERRATED
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
14/02/2026
Race Club:
Matamata Racing Club
Race Location:
Matamata Racecourse - 7555 State Highway 27, R D 3, Matamata, 3440
Race Number:
R4
Hearing Date:
14/02/2026
Hearing Location:
Matamata RC
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Rider Toni Davies is suspended for 6 days
Evidence:
Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr A Dooley filed an Information alleging Apprentice Rider Ms T Davies, breached Rule 638(3)(g)(i) in that she struck her mount (OVERRATED) eight times prior to the 100 metres.
Ms Davies admitted the breach and was assisted at the hearing by Senior Rider Ms L Satherley.
Using the available race films of the concluding stages of the race, Stipendiary Steward Mr G Stewart identified OVERRATED ridden by Ms Davies, who was racing on the rails as the field entered the home straight.
Mr Dooley pointed out that Ms Davies struck her mount 8 times prior to the 100 metres. This, being 3 more than permitted under the Rule.
Ms Davies agreed with the number of strikes and had nothing further to add. Ms Satherley referenced the heavy track as being a factor in the number of strikes that Ms Davies applied.
Decision:
As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.
Submissions for Penalty:
Mr Dooley advised that Ms Davies has had two breaches of the Whip Rule in the past 6 months, namely:
31 December 2025 – 8 strikes (5-day suspension)
19 October 2025 – 7 strikes (5-day suspension)
Mr Dooley submitted that the Penalty Guide starting point is a 5 (plus) day suspension and suggested a suspension be imposed within that range.
Ms Davies sought to defer any proposed suspension until after racing on 21 February 2026. Neither she nor Ms Satherley offered any submissions as to penalty.
Reasons for Penalty:
In circumstances of a third breach of 3 additional strikes (i.e. 8 strikes), the Penalty Guide provides for a starting point penalty of 5 plus national days.
There are no mitigating or aggravating factors to consider. Therefore, after considering the film evidence, the submissions and having due regard for the number of strikes, the Adjudicative Committee decided that a 6-day suspension is appropriate.
Conclusion:
Ms Davies is granted a deferment to the start of her suspension. Her License to ride in races is suspended from the end of racing on 21 February 2026 and will conclude at the end of racing on 4 March 2026 – 6 days inclusive.
Decision Date: 14/02/2026
Publish Date: 17/02/2026