R Tauranga 5 February 2026 – R2 – Ryan Elliot
ID: RIB63554
Animal Name:
Wyndstorm
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
05/02/2026
Race Club:
Racing Tauranga Inc
Race Location:
Tauranga Racecourse - 1383 Cameron Road, Greerton, Tauranga,
Race Number:
R2
Hearing Date:
05/02/2026
Hearing Location:
Tauranga Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Class A Jockey Ryan Elliot is fined $350
BACKGROUND:
Following the running of Race 2, Class A Rider Mr R Elliot admitted using his whip in an action above shoulder height.
Rule 638(3)(f)(ii) provides:
Without limiting the generality of subrule 638(3), in a Flat Race . . . A Rider must not use his / her whip:
(ii) using an action that raises the Rider’s arm above shoulder height.
Mr Elliot confirmed that he understood the Charge and the Rule.
EVIDENCE
Using the race films, Deputy Stipendiary Steward Mr Jones demonstrated that when entering the home straight, Mr Elliot struck his mount WYNDSTORM, using an action with his arm raised above shoulder height on 2 occasions. Mr Jones pointed out that he changed the whip into the forehand position, switching to his left hand and commenced to strike his mount twice above shoulder height. Mr Elliot then switched the whip back to the right hand and complied with the Whip Rule for the remainder of the race, striking his mount once more.
In explanation, Mr Elliot emphasised that he is naturally a right handed Rider and as his mount was hanging quite badly, used his left hand to help advance his mount in the race. He acknowledged that it was an ugly action and not his natural whip position.
DECISION:
As Mr Elliot admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the charge proved.
SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY:
Mr Jones advised that Mr Elliot had one previous breach within the 6 month reset period under this Rule on 27 December 2025 at Taranaki Racing Inc., New Plymouth Raceway and had been fined $250.
In the current case, Mr Jones confirmed that the Stewards would be seeking an uplift from the Starting Point of $250, as this was Mr Elliot’s second offence within a 6 month period.
In response, Mr Elliot explained that within the 6 month period, he had come back to riding and was a little bit rusty. It has taken a while for him to get back into the swing of things and he was just trying to do the best for the Owners and Trainer.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
The videos clearly demonstrated the 2 strikes above the shoulder. From a $250 starting point, a $100 uplift was applied, due to this being Mr Elliot’s second offence within the 6 month reset period and the fact that the breach involved two strikes. The Adjudicative Committee did not consider that “right handedness” and “being a bit rusty” were mitigating factors. Accordingly, Mr Elliot is fined $350.
CONCLUSION:
Mr Elliot is fined $350.
Decision Date: 05/02/2026
Publish Date: 10/02/2026