Riccarton Park – Amberley 21 June 2025 – R6 – Amber Riddell

Evidence

Following the running of Race 6, the Respondent Class B Rider, Amber Riddell admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres in “that she struck her mount 6 times prior to the 100m then a further 5 times after, a total of 11 strikes.”

Miss Riddell was assisted at the hearing by NZTR Apprentice Mentor Jason Laking.

Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides that in a Flat Race a Rider must not:

(i) strike a horse with a whip more than 5 times prior to the 100-metre mark (other than in a slapping motion down the shoulder with the whip hand remaining on the reins); or

Using the available race films, Chief Stipendiary Steward John Oatham, with the assistance of Stipendiary Steward Veronica Fisher, demonstrated that the Respondent struck her mount 6 times from near the home turn to the 100-metre mark. He added that Miss Riddell struck VAMOS on a further 5 occasions prior to the post.

Miss Riddell elected to make no submissions in regard to the breach.

Decision

As the Respondent Miss Riddell admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Oatham produced the Respondent Miss Riddell’s record, which indicated a prior breach on 3 May 2025, where she received a $250 fine for 7 strikes prior to the 100m.

Mr Oatham stated the Penalty Guide for a 2nd breach of excessive whip use for 1 additional strike, was a $250 fine and submitted that a fine commensurate with the Penalty Guide, be considered as penalty.

Miss Riddell elected to make no submissions in regard to penalty.

Reasons for Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is set out below.

For breaches of the Whip Rule prior to the 100m mark:

2nd offence starting point $250 fine where there is 1 additional strike

This Adjudicative Committee determined that there were no aggravating factors to consider.

It was therefore determined that an appropriate penalty in this case was a $250 fine, commensurate with the Penalty Guide.

Conclusion

The Respondent Miss Riddell is fined the sum of $250.