Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 15 November 2025 – R10 – Matt Cameron

Following the running of Race 10, Martin Collins 162nd New Zealand Cup (Listed Race), Class A Jockey, Matt Cameron, admitted a charge that, as the Rider of CANHEROC in the race, he “struck his mount ten times (with the whip) prior to the 100 metres”.

Rule 638 provides:

(g) Subject to the other requirements this Rule 638(3), in a Flat Race or trial (including jump-outs and/or tests for certification purposes), a Rider must not:

     (i) except as provided for in (iii) (A) and (iii) (B) of this sub-Rule, 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).

EVIDENCE:

Chief Stipendiary Steward, John Oatham, pointed out Mr Cameron’s mount, CANHEROC, on video replays of the final 600 metres of the race, the second from widest runner as the field ran wide nearing the home turn. He showed that Mr Cameron struck his mount 10 times between the 600 and the 100 metres.

Mr Cameron declined the opportunity, to comment.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham said that Mr Cameron has a clear record as far as breaches of any Rules are concerned, since resuming race riding.

He referred to the Penalty Guide providing for a 5-day suspension for a breach involving four additional strikes, pointing out that this breach involved five additional strikes. He reminded the Adjudicative Committee that the race was a “Black-Type” race, in this case a Listed Race, and the Penalty Guide makes provision for a fine of 50 per cent of the Jockey’s share of the stake (50 per cent of $2,025). CANHEROC finished in 3rd placing, earning stake money of $40,500.

Mr Cameron sought a deferment of any term of suspension until after 22 November next.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Cameron has clearly struck his mount with the whip ten times from the straight entrance to the 100 metres, five more than the permissible five.

For a first breach involving four additional strikes, the RIB Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide (February 2025) suggests a starting point of “suspension 5 national days”. The Adjudicative Committee considers that a 1-day uplift to that starting point is appropriate, on this occasion, for the additional strike. There are no relevant aggravating factors to consider.

However, a compelling mitigating factor to consider, is Mr Cameron’s exceptional record. In addition, he has made a very frank admission of the breach. For those factors, the Adjudicative Committee gives a 1-day discount from the adjusted starting point. The end result is a suspension of 5 national riding days. The Adjudicative Committee also had regard to the totality of whip use. Mr Cameron did not use his whip in the final 100 metres.

CONCLUSION:

Mr Cameron’s application for a deferment is granted.

Class A Jockey, Matt Cameron’s, Licence to ride in races is suspended from after the close of racing on 22 November 2025, up to and including 30 November 2025, after which date he may ride – 5 national riding days.

In addition, Mr Cameron is fined the sum of $1,000.