R Te Aroha 2 June 2025 – R1 – Toni Moki

CHARGE

Following the running of Race 1 at Te Aroha on Monday 2 June 2025, Rider Ms T Moki was charged with a breach of Rule 638(5)(b) in that she failed to retire her mount LA JUNGLES from the race when out of contention.

Rule 638(5)(b) provides:

A Rider in a Jumping race or trial must retire his or her horse from a race or trial immediately if:

(b) the horse is not in contention and/or is fatigued

EVIDENCE

Films of the incident were shown and commented on by Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr A Dooley. These clearly showed Ms Moki riding her mount LA JUNGLES second to last, alongside MOLLY’S GOLD, ridden by Ms P Matthews at the 800 metre point. Ms Moki continued to ride LA JUNGLES through the home straight, jumping the last 3 fences when out of contention. Meanwhile, Ms Matthews had retired MOLLY’S GOLD at the top of the straight.

Mr Dooley noted that LA JUNGLES was beaten by 55 lengths.

Ms Moki admitted the charge and stated that it was an error of judgement on her part.

DECISION

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY

Mr Dooley advised that this was Ms Moki’s second breach in the past 12 months, the last being on 8 September 2024, incurring a fine of $350. The Stewards recommended a fine of not less than $500.

Ms Moki admitted the breach, but considered a fine equivalent to the losing riding fee of $400, would be appropriate

REASONS FOR PENALTY

Consideration was given to Ms Moki for the admittance of the breach. However, it was her second charge under this Rule, so an uplift on the $350 first breach fine was necessary.

After considering all the circumstances, the Adjudicative Committee determined that a fine of $500 was appropriate.

CONCLUSION

Ms Moki was fined $500.