Matamata RC 23 January 2026 – R4 – Ryan Elliot
ID: RIB63141
Animal Name:
Tarzador
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
23/01/2026
Race Club:
Matamata Racing Club
Race Location:
Matamata Racecourse - 7555 State Highway 27, R D 3, Matamata, 3440
Race Number:
R4
Hearing Date:
23/01/2026
Hearing Location:
Matamata Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Class A Jockey Ryan Elliot is fined $300
BACKGROUND
Following the running of Race 4, the Respondent Class A Rider Ryan Elliot admitted a charge alleging he struck his mount TARZADOR forward of the saddle, with the whip held in the forehand position, once near the 50 metre mark.
Rule 638(3)(f)(xi) provides that, in a Flat Race or Trial, a Rider must not use his or her whip:
forward of the Rider’s saddle whilst the whip is held in the forehand position.
At the start of the hearing, Mr Elliot confirmed his knowledge of the Rule and admission of the breach.
EVIDENCE
Using the available race films, Deputy Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr Jones identified TARZADOR ridden by Mr Elliot. The video shows Mr Elliot approaching the straight in a 3 wide position. He strikes his mount in the backhand position, then changes his whip to the forehand and continues to strike his mount leading up to the finish until approximately the 50 metre mark, where he strikes his mount once in forehand position, forward of the saddle.
In response, Mr Elliot explained that he was in very close proximity to other Riders and was worried about hitting another Rider. He admitted a lightbulb in his head reaction, when he committed the breach, as he realised what he had done.
DECISION
As Mr Elliot has admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach to be proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY
Mr Jones advised that Mr Elliot had a clear record regarding this Rule within the 6 month reset period, but had been warned under this sub-section of the Rule on the 8th of November 2025. He said the starting point penalty is a $300 fine.
In response, Mr Elliot expressed surprise at the requirement for a hearing and the amount of the proposed fine.
REASONS FOR PENALTY
The video evidence clearly demonstrates a single forehand use of the whip by the Respondent, forward of the shoulder, nearing the 50 metre mark. The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is a $300 fine. Mr Elliot freely admitted the breach and there are no aggravating factors to consider.
CONCLUSION
Accordingly, Class A Rider Ryan Elliot is fined $300.
Decision Date: 23/01/2026
Publish Date: 26/01/2026