Otago RC 31 May 2026 – R5 – Ohara Najib
ID: RIB67773
Animal Name:
THE ESPY
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
31/05/2026
Race Club:
Otago Racing Club
Race Location:
Wingatui Racecourse - 285 Gladstone Road North, Mosgiel, Dunedin,
Race Number:
R5
Hearing Date:
31/05/2026
Hearing Location:
Dunedin
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Ohara Najib is fined $325
Mr Davidson alleged that in Race 5, Mr Najib struck his mount THE ESPY 3 times above shoulder height throughout the final straight.
Mr Munro identified Mr Najib on the video. Mr Davidson said this demonstrated that Mr Najib had used his whip on 3 occasions above shoulder height.
Both Mr Najib and Mr Laking accepted that this was the case.
DecisionÂ
As Mr Najib has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
Submissions as to Penalty
Mr Davidson produced the Respondent’s record, which showed a previous breach of this Rule on the 19th of April at Invercargill.
The starting point for a breach of this Rule is a fine of $250. Mr Davidson submitted an uplift was appropriate for a 2nd breach.
Mr Najib and Mr Laking did not demur.
Reasons for Penalty
Mr Najib has used his whip above shoulder height 3 times in the home straight. He is an Apprentice Jockey and has admitted the breach. He has a previous breach of this Rule only some 6 weeks ago. An increase to the $250 starting point in the Penalty Guide is therefore appropriate.
ConclusionÂ
Mr Najib is fined the sum of $325.
Decision Date: 31/05/2026
Publish Date: 03/06/2026