Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 26 April 2025 – R9 – Abdul Najib

ID: RIB54366

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:
A20280

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:
EASTANDWEST

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
26/04/2025

Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club

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

Race Number:
R9

Hearing Date:
26/04/2025

Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Abdul Najib is suspended for 6 days

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 9, 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 (EASTANDWEST) racing three wide and close to the leaders approaching the 400m. 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 was suspended earlier today under this Rule and has a another breach on his record in October 2024. He said a suspension in line with the Guidelines would be appropriate.

Mr Najib and Mr Pitman made no submissions.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

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

The Adjudicative Committee is cognisant that Mr Najib is now facing a prolonged period of suspension and advised him to improve his whip use, or he would face more serious sanctions.

The Adjudicative Committee considers a 6-day suspension for this breach appropriate in Mr Najib’s circumstances.

CONCLUSION:

Apprentice Jockey Mr Abdul Najib is suspended for 6 days, from the conclusion of racing on 11 May, up to and including racing on 23 May 2025.

Decision Date: 26/04/2025

Publish Date: 29/04/2025