Otago RC 17 October 2025 – R4 – Floor Moerman
ID: RIB59749
Animal Name:
TEEMOO
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
17/10/2025
Race Club:
Otago Racing Club
Race Location:
Wingatui Racecourse - 285 Gladstone Road North, Mosgiel, Dunedin,
Race Number:
R4
Hearing Date:
17/10/2025
Hearing Location:
Dunedin
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Floor Moerman is fined $400
Mr Davidson alleged that prior to the start of Race 4, Ms Moerman struck her mount TEEMOO with the whip over the horse’s head in the preliminary. The charge was one of Misconduct laid under r 800(1).
Mr Davidson stated that Ms Moerman had had difficulty getting TEEMOO to go up to the starting gates. He said the horse had baulked and she had had to dismount. She had first touched the horse on the nose with the whip. The horse continued to give her trouble and, when walking around behind the barriers, she struck the horse on the head. He said while it was not a hard strike, it was hard enough. It was not suggested that she had intended to hurt the horse, but just to get it to take notice of her trying to steer it towards the gates. An attendant had eventually stepped in and assisted her.
Mr Laking said it was clear that Ms Moerman had acted out of frustration. There was no intention to hurt the horse.
Ms Moerman said she was trying to get TEEMOO to move in the right direction and the horse was not responding to her urgings. It was the first time she had ridden the horse.
Decision
As the Respondent has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
Submissions as to Penalty
Mr Davidson produced Ms Moerman’s record, which was clear under this Rule. He referred to recent cases. There were two where there had been 2 strikes and the penalty was $750 and another where the penalty was $500 for one strike. He submitted that Ms Moerman’s actions were out of character and a penalty in the vicinity of $500 was appropriate.
Both Ms Moerman and Mr Laking accepted the Informant’s submission and emphasised the actions were out of character.
Reasons for Penalty
The video evidences a strike to the head of TEEMOO when the horse continued to not co-operate with Ms Moerman’s urgings to go up to the starting stalls. As the parties agree, Ms Moerman’s actions were out of frustration and were out of character. There is no evidence that she intended to hurt the horse, but clearly animal welfare is of concern in these circumstances.
Ms Moerman has no previous breach of this Rule and is a relatively inexperienced Apprentice, having had just over 200 rides. The Jockeys in the cases referred to the Adjudicative Committee, were all experienced Senior Riders.
Conclusion
Taking into account the nature of the breach, clear record, and Ms Moerman’s status, the penalty imposed is a fine of $400.
Decision Date: 17/10/2025
Publish Date: 23/10/2025