Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 26 October 2024 – R10 – Abdul Najib

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 10, Helston & Associates Rating 75, Class B Jockey, Abdul Najib, admitted a charge that, as the Rider of OCEAN LIGHT in the race, he struck his mount 8 times prior to the 100 metres.

Mr Najib was assisted at the hearing by Apprentice Jockey Mentor, Jason Laking.

Rule 638 provides:

(g) Subject to the other requirements of 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, showed a video replay of the final 300 metres of the race. He pointed out OCEAN LIGHT, ridden by Mr Najib, wide in the lead as the field turned into the final straight. He counted out for the hearing, Mr Najib use his whip eight times from the home turn to the 100 metres. Mr Najib accepted the alleged count of eight. The strikes were all backhand and involved no particular force, Mr Oatham said. However, the number was excessive, he said.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

The breach was Mr Najib’s fifth in the period of the last 6 months, Mr Oatham said. He outlined the earlier breaches as follows:

2 May – 7 days at Riccarton, 9 times;

30 June – 7 days at Otago, 8 times

3 August – 9 days at Riccarton, 8 times; and

31 August – 8 days at Riccarton, 8 times.

Mr Najib has had 66 rides in that period, Mr Oatham said. He has been directed to work with the Rider Skills Review Panel and this is ongoing. Conditions today did not help, but it was difficult to make excuses. The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of 5+ national riding days, Mr Oatham said, and he referred to the most recent penalties given to Mr Najib.

Mr Laking said that Mr Najib has been trying and has been doing very well, and working hard at Apprentice School. He sought, on Mr Najib’s behalf, a deferment of any term of suspension until after the meeting of Otago RC on 5 November.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

This is Mr Najib’s fifth breach of excessive whip use within the preceding 6 months. For a fifth breach involving three additional strikes (eight), the RIB Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide (March 2024) provides a starting point of “Suspension 5+ National Days”. The Adjudicative Committee has a discretion as to the appropriate term of suspension according to all of the circumstances.

There are no aggravating circumstances, other than Mr Najib’s record. Mr Najib is an Apprentice Jockey who has been riding in New Zealand since December 2023. His whip record is of concern, but the Adjudicative Committee is pleased to note that he is addressing his issues in this area.

Having regard to the fact that, as submitted by Mr Oatham, the strikes on this occasion were backhand and not forceful, the Adjudicative Committee has decided that an appropriate term of suspension is one of 9 days, an uplift of 1 day from the most recent penalty imposed by the Adjudicative Committee at Riccarton on 31 August last.

CONCLUSION:

Mr Najib’s application for a deferment of suspension is granted.

Class B Jockey, Abdul Najib’s Licence to ride in races is suspended from 6 November 2024 to 17 November 2024, both dates inclusive – 9 national riding days.