Riccarton Park – Amberley 21 June 2025 – R7 – Amber Riddell

Evidence

Following the running of Race 7, 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 7 times prior to the 100m then a further 4 times after the 100m, 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); 

Using the available race films, Chief Stipendiary Steward John Oatham, demonstrated that the Respondent struck her mount 7 times from near the home turn to the 100-metre mark. He added that Miss Riddell struck ALBATROSS on a further 4 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 2 previous breaches being Riccarton on 3 May 2025 – $250 fine for 7 strikes and today at Riccarton 21 June 2025, a $250 fine for 6 strikes.

Mr Oatham stated the Penalty Guide for a 3rd breach of excessive whip use for 2 additional strikes was a 5 day suspension and submitted that a suspension commensurate with the Penalty Guide be considered as penalty.

Miss Riddell made no submissions in regard to penalty, apart from requesting any suspension begin as soon as possible.

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:

3rd offence starting point – 5 day suspension where there are 2 additional strikes

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 5 day suspension, commensurate with the Penalty Guide.

Conclusion

Miss Riddell is suspended from the conclusion of racing at Awapuni on Sunday 22 June 2025 (where she has declared rides) up to and including 2 July 2025.