Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 26 April 2025 – R4 – Abdul Najib

ID: RIB54341

Respondent(s):
Najib Abdul - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
Mr Mark Davidson - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Dave Anderson (Chair), Stewart Ching

Persons Present:
Mrs Rebecca Haley - Stipendiary Steward, Mr Davidson, Mr Najib, and Mr Michael Pitman - Trainer and Mr Najib's employer

Information Number:
A20274

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Striking his horse 8 times prior to the 100m

Rule(s):
638(3)(g)(i) - Contravention whip rule - Whip Regulations

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
GENERATION JOY

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
26/04/2025

Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club

Race Location:
Riccarton Park - 165 Racecourse Road, Christchurch,

Race Number:
R4

Hearing Date:
26/04/2025

Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Abdul Najib is suspended for 5 days

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 4, Stipendiary Steward Mr Mark Davidson presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(i) by Apprentice Jockey Mr Abdul Najib.

Mr Najib stated he was conversant with the Rule and the Charge and confirmed he did admit the breach. Mr Najib was assisted at the hearing by Trainer Mr Michael Pitman.

Mr Davidson had Stipendiary Steward Mrs Rebecca Haley identify Mr Najib (GENERATION JOY) racing handy to the lead approaching the 450m. Mr Davidson pointed to Mr Najib strike his horse 8 times prior to the 100m.

Mr Pitman and Mr Najib made no submissions.

DECISION:

The Respondent having admitted the breach, the charge was deemed to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Davidson stated Mr Najib has a previous breach under the Rule in October 2024. He said a suspension of 5 days would be appropriate.

Mr Najib requested a deferment of Penalty until after racing here at Riccarton on Saturday 3 May, which was granted.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines provide a 5-day suspension starting point for a second breach of this Rule with 3 additional strikes.

The Adjudicative Committee finds no factors here to depart from the Guidelines on this occasion.

CONCLUSION:

Apprentice Jockey Mr Abdul Najib is suspended for 5 days, from the conclusion of racing on 3 May, up to and including racing on 11 May 2025.

Decision Date: 26/04/2025

Publish Date: 29/04/2025