R Te Aroha 19 September 2025 – R4 – Jordan Hart

Evidence

Following the running of Race 4, the Respondent Mr J Hart admitted a charge alleging he struck his mount SQUIRE 12 times prior to the 100 metres.

Rule 638(3)(h)(i) provides that in a Jumping Race or trial (including jump-outs and/or tests for certification purposes), a Rider must not:
(i) strike a horse with a whip more than 10 times prior to the 100-metre mark (other than in a slapping motion down the shoulder with the whip hand remaining on the reins).

Using the available race films, Mr Oatham demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 12 times from just before the turn into the straight until the 100 metre point. This was 2 strikes over the allowance of 10 prior to the last 100 metres.

Mr Hart went on to finish in fourth place, following a vigorous ride to the finish.

In response, Mr Hart explained he had misjudged his count.

Decision

As Mr Hart admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Oatham produced Mr Hart’s record, which indicated that he had a clear record under this charge in New Zealand and Australia.

Mr Oatham noted that the NZTR Penalty Guide for excessive whip use for a first offence for 2 strikes over the Guideline in a jumping race was $250. However, the race was the J Swap Great New Zealand Hurdle, a prestige jumping event. For prestige jumping races, the Penalty Guide provides for a starting point for a fine to be an amount equal to 50% of the Jockey’s share of the stake earned by their mount, or the starting point under the Penalty Guideline.

In this case, the stake for 4th was $7,500 and 50% of the Rider’s share $375. Mr Oatham therefore recommended the fine be $375, as provided in the Penalty Guide.

Mr Hart had no comment to make.

Reasons for Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a first breach of this nature when a Rider is two strikes over, is a fine of $250. However, as noted this was a Prestigious jumping event and the starting point was therefore $375, being 50% of the Rider’s share of the 4th stake.

After considering the film evidence, the submissions and having due regard for the number and frequency of strikes, the Adjudicative Committee determined there are no compelling reasons to depart from the provision for a fine equal to 50% of the Rider’s share of the 4th stake.

On that basis, Mr Hart is fined $375.

Conclusion

The Respondent Mr Hart is fined $375.