R Te Aroha 20 September 2026 – R3 – Bella Oliver

Background Information

Following the running of Race 3, Deputy Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr B Jones filed Information No. A18228 alleging that Class D Rider Ms Bella Oliver rode her mount OUR SHOCKS wearing spurs in the Grand Tavern Maiden Highweight, in breach of Rule 611.

Rule 611 provides that:

A Rider must not wear spurs in a Flat Race or flat Trial (including a flat jump-out or flat test for certification purposes).

At the commencement of the hearing, Ms Oliver confirmed her admission of the breach.

Evidence

Mr Jones advised that, after the running of the Highweight (Race 3), Ms Oliver, the Rider of OUR SHOCKS, was identified while weighing in wearing spurs. Mr Jones said he asked Ms Oliver whether she had worn the spurs during the race, and she replied in the affirmative.

By way of explanation, Ms Oliver advised that she had ridden in the previous race, Race 2, which was a steeplechase in which spurs were permitted. She said she forgot to remove the spurs before riding in Race 3 and added that it was a completely unintentional mistake.

Decision

The charge is admitted and is therefore proven.

Penalty Submissions

Mr Jones advised the Adjudicative Committee that Ms Oliver had a clear record under the Rule. He said breaches of this nature are extremely rare and that, having checked records dating back to 2011, he was unable to identify any comparable breach or penalty.

Mr Jones submitted that, although Ms Oliver had made an error, she nevertheless had an obligation to remove her spurs after riding in Race 2 and before riding in Race 3. He said the breach had an animal welfare aspect and suggested a fine in the vicinity of $250 to $500, which he submitted was comparable with a first-offence whip breach.

In response, Ms Oliver had nothing further to add.

Reasons for Decision

The Penalty Guide does not provide a recommended starting point for a breach of this Rule. On that basis, this and similar breaches must be assessed on a fact dependent basis.

Although Riders are allowed to wear spurs in jumps races, they are not permitted to wear them in flat races or flat trials. This being a flat race (Highweight), Ms Oliver is clearly in breach of the Rule.

The Adjudicative Committee accepts that Ms Oliver made a mistake in forgetting to remove her spurs after riding in the previous race, which was a steeplechase. However, she remains culpable for that error. In the circumstances, the Adjudicative Committee adopted a starting point fine of $400 and applied a $100 reduction in recognition of Ms Oliver’s clear record and frank admission of the breach.

Conclusion

Ms Oliver was fined $400.