R Tauranga 21 June 2025 – R3 – Gareth Lahoud

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 3, Apprentice Rider Mr G Lahoud (assisted by Mr N Harris), admitted using his whip in an action above shoulder height on his mount SMART TIP.

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

‘Without limiting the generality of subrule 638(3)(e), 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.’

EVIDENCE:

Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr B Jones identified SMART TIP ridden by Mr Lahoud. Mr Lahoud struck his mount twice, once 50 metres from the finish line and the second strike almost at the line, both his strikes were above shoulder height and with force.

Mr Lahoud admitted the breach and had nothing to add.

DECISION:

As Mr Lahoud admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the charge proved.

SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY:

Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr Jones advised that Mr Lahoud had been charged for the same offence on 18 June 2025 with a $250 fine, following being warned on 7 June 2025 under the same rule.

Mr Jones said that the Penalty Guidelines provide for a fine of $250 for a first offence. He said that in the Stewards view the second offence required an uplift to a fine in the region between $400-$500.

Mr Lahoud had nothing further to add in terms of penalty. Mr Harris said that Mr Lahoud has recently returned to race riding following a 7-month break and added that “Mr Lahoud needs to slow things down a bit.” 

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guide starting point provides for a $250 fine for a first offence and does not set a fine for a second offence. This is fact dependent.

In view of the circumstances and this being his third referral by the Stewards within the last three weeks, the Adjudicative Committee determined a fine of $450 would be appropriate.

CONCLUSION:

Mr Lahoud is therefore fined $450.