Otago RC 28 March 2025 – R3 – Tanya Jonker

ID: RIB53170

Respondent(s):
Tanya Jonker - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr Mark Davidson, Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Geoff Hall

Persons Present:
Mr John Oatham, Chief Stipendiary Steward

Information Number:
A20308

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Whip above shoulder height

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
THE TUI TOILER

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
28/03/2025

Race Club:
Otago Racing Club

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

Race Number:
R3

Hearing Date:
28/03/2025

Hearing Location:
Dunedin

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Class A Rider Tanya Jonker is fined $300

Mr Davidson alleged that in Race 3, Ms Jonker used her whip with an action which raised her arm above shoulder height on THE TUI TOILER.

Mr Oatham demonstrated on the videos that the Respondent was riding the leading horse as the field rounded the home bend and progressed up the straight. She gave her mount 3 strikes with the whip, with her arm above shoulder height in the run home.

Ms Jonker agreed with Mr Oatham’s assessment of her actions. She said obviously she was not aware of her whip height at the time.

Decision

As Ms Jonker has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

Submissions as to Penalty

Mr Davidson produced the Respondent’s record, which evidenced no previous breach of this Rule, but he said Ms Jonker has had 2 warnings in the past 12 months.

Ms Jonker confirmed this.

Reasons for Penalty

The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a $250 fine for a first breach.  As Ms Jonker went on to win the race by a half head, a small uplift from the starting point is appropriate.

Conclusion

Ms Jonker is fined the sum of $300.

Decision Date: 28/03/2025

Publish Date: 01/04/2025