Otago RC 28 February 2026 – R10 – Ruvanesh Muniandy

ID: RIB64451

Respondent(s):
Ruvanesh Muniandy - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
Mr Davidson - Senior Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Geoff Hall

Persons Present:
Miss Haley - Stipendiary Steward; Mr Laking - Apprentice Mentor

Information Number:
A20347

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Excessive use of the whip

Rule(s):
638(3)(g)(i) - Contravention whip rule

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
LOOSE SALLY

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
28/02/2026

Race Club:
Otago Racing Club

Race Location:
Wingatui Racecourse - 285 Gladstone Road North, Mosgiel, Dunedin,

Race Number:
R10

Hearing Date:
28/02/2026

Hearing Location:
Dunedin

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Ruvanesh Muniandy is fined $500

Mr Davidson alleged that in Race 10, Mr Muniandy struck his mount LOOSE SALLY 8 times prior to the 100 metres.

Miss Haley demonstrated on the videos, that the Respondent was racing back of midfield as the field exited the home bend. He was wide on the track, making good ground, and he used his whip 8 times prior to the 100 metres. There was 1 strike as the horse exited the bend and then a further 7 in the straight prior to the 100 metres.

Mr Muniandy and Mr Laking agreed with the Stewards’ count.

Decision 

As Mr Muniandy has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

Submissions as to Penalty

Mr Davidson produced the Respondent’s record, which evidenced no breach of this Rule in the past 10 months. He stated that the Stewards believed a penalty at the starting point was appropriate and they were not looking for any percentage of the stake.

Mr Muniandy confirmed his record.

Reasons for Penalty

The Penalty Guide provides a $500 fine as a starting point for a 1st breach where the count is 8 strikes. The appropriate penalty, having regard to record, number of strikes, the status of the race, and the fact the Respondent’s mount finished 4th, is a penalty at the starting point. That Mr Muniandy is an Apprentice Rider, is also a relevant factor.

Conclusion

Mr Muniandy is fined the sum of $500.

Decision Date: 28/02/2026

Publish Date: 04/03/2026