Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 25 October 2025 – R10 – Leah Hemi

Following the running of Race 10, Sothys Spring Classic (Listed), Class A Jockey Leah Hemi, admitted a breach of the Whip Rules in that, as the Rider of SIR ALBERT in the race, she “struck her mount in the flank region”.

Ms Hemi was not present at the hearing. Chief Stipendiary Steward John Oatham, explained that Ms Hemi had left the course, as she had a flight to catch. However, she had signed the Information “I do admit a breach of the Rule” and “I do not wish to be present at the hearing of the Information”.

Rule 638 provides as follows:

(3)     Whip Rules

          (f)   Without limiting the generality of subrule 638(3)(e), in a Flat Race . . . a rider must not use his or their whip:

          (x)   on the flank of the Rider’s horse.

EVIDENCE:

Mr Oatham showed a close-up video replay of Ms Hemi, riding SIR ALBERT, clearly, striking the horse with her whip on the number of the horse’s saddlecloth, in the flank area, on a clear three occasions inside the final 100 metres.

The Adjudicative Committee observed that the horse had led from the 300 metres, and was clear in the lead at the time, going on to win the race.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham said that it was a relatively new Rule, to which some Riders have been struggling to adjust. Stewards have been trying to educate Riders to adjust their riding styles. However, this was a Black Type Race, in which warnings are not given, he said.

The Penalty provides that the penalty for a breach of the Rule is “fact dependent”. Mr Oatham submitted that the breach was similar to a breach of using the whip on a runner out of contention – that is to say, a starting point of $300. The race was a Listed Race and Ms Hemi had won the race, so an uplift to that starting point should be considered, he said. He submitted a fine of $500 would be appropriate.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The RIB Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide (February 2025) marks the breach as “fact dependent”, meaning the penalty depends on the circumstances.

Using the whip on the flank (the side of the body) of a horse raises animal welfare issues, as the flank is a sensitive area.

The Adjudicative Committee noted a Decision of an Adjudicative Committee in April 2025, in which a Jockey was fined $400 for striking his mount’s flank on four occasions. The Adjudicative Committee in that case, adopted a starting point of $300 and uplifted it to $400 for winning the race.

The Adjudicative Committee adopts a starting point of $300 in this case as in that case, and as submitted by Mr Oatham. Aggravating factors in the present case are the status of the race, a Listed Race, and that Ms Hemi went on to win the race. The Adjudicative Committee does not regard Ms Hemi’s admission of the breach and her clear record under the Rule, as mitigating factors to be considered. For the aggravating factors referred to, the Adjudicative Committee applies an uplift of $200 to the starting point of $300.

CONCLUSION:

Class A Jockey Leah Hemi, is fined the sum of $500.