Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 24 October 2026 – R10 – Ohara Najib

Evidence

Following the running of Race 10, the Respondent Class B Rider Ohara Najib admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.

Trainer Michael Pitman was present to assist.

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 showed on the replays that Mr Najib was racing towards the rear of the field when approaching the 300 metres. He demonstrated on the replays, that the Respondent struck his mount 9 times from near the 300m to the 100-metre mark.

Mr Najib elected to make no submissions in regard to the breach.

Decision

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

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Oatham produced the Respondent Mr Najib’s record, which indicated 1 previous breach being at today’s meeting;

24 October 2026 – Riccarton – $500 for 8 strikes

Mr Oatham stated the Penalty Guide provided for a second offence where there were 4 additional strikes, was a 5 plus national day suspension. He submitted that a starting point of 6 days be considered as penalty.

Mr Najib made no submissions in regard to penalty, apart from requesting a deferment until after the meeting at Otago on 3 November 2026.

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 5+ national day suspension where there are 4 additional strikes

The Penalty Guide provides a 5 plus day suspension for a 2nd breach of this Rule within a 6 month period. A starting point of 6 days was accordingly adopted.

The Adjudicative Committee determined there were no aggravating factors to consider, therefore no uplift in penalty was warranted.

It was therefore determined that an appropriate penalty in this case was a 6 day suspension.

Conclusion

The Respondent Mr Najib is granted a 10 day deferment until after racing on 3 November 2026. His Licence to ride in races is suspended for 6 National Days, from close of racing on 3 November 2026, until close of racing on 11 November 2026.