Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 6 August 2025 – R6 – Rohan Mudhoo

Following the running of Race 6, Betavet Maiden, Class A Jockey, Rohan Mudhoo, admitted a breach of Rule 638(3)(f)(ii) in that as the Rider of POLLY’S GURU in the race, “he struck his mount four times with his arm raised above shoulder height”.

Rule 638 provides as follows:

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

      (ii)  using an action that raises the Rider’s arm above shoulder height.

EVIDENCE:

Stipendiary Steward, Veronica Fisher, showed video replays of the offending whip use. She pointed out POLLY’S  GURU, ridden by Mr Mudhoo, racing 4-wide near the lead passing the 400 metres. She then showed Mr Mudhoo use his whip in an action that raised his arm above shoulder height, and do so on a total of four clear occasions prior to the 200 metres.

Mr Mudhoo admitted the four strikes above shoulder height and did not wish to comment further.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mrs Fisher said that Mr Mudhoo has a clear record. She referred to the Penalty Guide starting point for a first breach of the Rule – a fine of $250.

Mr Mudhoo had nothing to say in relation to penalty.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee was satisfied that Mr Mudhoo had used his whip on four clear occasions, with his arm raised above shoulder height in the home straight. He has made a frank admission of the breach, albeit inevitable, and he has a clear record.

The RIB Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide (February 2025) suggests a starting point for penalty for a breach of the Rule of a $250 fine. There being no relevant aggravating or mitigating factors, that is the appropriate penalty.

CONCLUSION:

Class A Jockey Rohan Mudhoo, is fined the sum of $250.