R Rotorua 2 July 2025 – R7 – Yuga Okubo

Background:

Following the running of Race 7, the ‘Greenlight Insurance Brokers 1400’, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(ii). Details are as follows:

‘in that he used his whip in consecutive strides passing the 75 metres on Crackercol’.

Rule 638(3)(g)(ii) provides:

(g) A Rider must not:

(ii) strike a horse with a whip in consecutive strides at any stage of the race.

The Respondent confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee that he understood the Rule and admitted the breach. This was endorsed by Mr Harris and Mr McNab.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards identified the incident.  In the home straight nearing nearing the 75 metre point, the Respondent is seen to strike his mount CRACKERCOL in consecutive strides. Mr Okubo confirmed that he agreed with the Stewards’ interpretation.

Decision:

As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee found the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Stewards outlined the Respondent’s record, as it relates to this any breach of this Rule within the last 6 months. The Respondent had received a warning at Racing Tauranga on 21st June 2025.  Disappointingly, the Respondent had received penalty by way of a $150 fine, relating to a breach of the same Rule earlier in the day.   It is noted that the Respondent has been riding in New Zealand since January 2025 and has had 56 race day rides.  The Adjudicative Committee was referred to the current NZTR Penalty Guide. Stewards did comment that the Adjudicative Committee may look to uplift penalty, given this was the Respondent’s second breach of this Rule on the same day.

Reasons for Penalty:

Available film identified the alleged breach.  The current NZTR Penalty Guide provides for a $300 fine for a breach under this circumstance, under this particular Rule. This was adopted as the starting point. The Adjudicative Committee did consider an uplift, however given Jockey status, a fine of $300 was considered the appropriate penalty.

Conclusion:

Mr Okubo is fined a sum of $300.