R Te Aroha 27 July 2025 – R4 – Joshua Parker

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 4, Class D Jockey, Mr J Parker, the Rider of BILLY BOY, admitted a breach of the Whip Rule 638(3)(f)(ii) in that he “used his whip with an action that raised his arm above shoulder height”.

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

(f)      ….. a Rider must not use his or her whip:

(ii) using an action that raises the Rider’s arm above shoulder height.

EVIDENCE:

Using the available race films, Stipendiary Steward, Mr Dooley, showed the concluding stages of the Race. He identified Mr Parker riding the eventual race winner BILLY BOY, strike his mount three times with an action that raised his whip above shoulder height on each occasion. He also identified a further two strikes, that he said were “marginal.”  But for the purpose of the charge, it is the Stewards’ position that the first mentioned three strikes were non-compliant, the other two were shown for noting only.

In response, Mr Parker said that he agreed with the Stewards’ interpretation of the incident. He explained that he is in his second season of riding in New Zealand and in his home country, the United Kingdom, a Rider is in breach of this Rule when the arm is raised above the head, as opposed to the shoulder.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Dooley said that Mr Parker has breached this Rule on one previous occasion. This being on 22 June 2025 and resulted in a $400 fine for four strikes above shoulder height.

The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a $250 fine for a first breach. Mr Dooley submitted that an uplift should be applied, given the number of the strikes. He suggested that a fine in the vicinity of $500 would be appropriate.

Mr Parker offered no comment with regards to penalty. He said that he is still adapting to New Zealand requirements, but fully accepted that he was in breach of the Rule.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The RIB Penalty Guide baseline starting point penalty is $250 for a first offence. This breach is Mr Parker’s second offence. It was noted that BILLY BOY won the race by 6 ½ length, and the Adjudicative Committee was of the view, given the margin, his non-compliant whip use was not necessary. The presence of three non-compliant strikes, the fact that Mr Parker’s mount won the race and his prior breach, are considered aggravating factors. Consequently, an additional $250 is added to the starting point fine. There are no mitigating factors to consider. Accordingly, Mr Parker is fined $500.

Note – just prior to the winning post, Mr Parker made a celebratory gesture. This resulted in a $300 fine, which was dealt with separate to this charge.

CONCLUSION:

Class D Rider, Mr J Parker is fined $500.