Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 8 November 2025 – R1 – Floor Moerman

Evidence

Following the running of Race 1, the Respondent Class B Rider Floor Moerman admitted a charge alleging ” that she struck her mount PULL THE PIN when out of contention of the first five placings.”

NZTR Apprentice Mentor Jason Laking was present to assist.

Rule 638(3)(f)(iii) provides that;

(f) Without limiting the generality of subrule 638(3)(e), in a Flat Race or Jumping Race, a
Trial (including jump-outs and/or tests for certification purposes) a Rider must not use
their or her whip:
(iii) when the Rider’s horse is out of contention of finishing in the first five placings

Using the available race films, Chief Stipendiary Steward John Oatham, with the assistance of Stipendiary Steward Mark Davidson, demonstrated that Miss Moerman was widest on the track and towards the rear as the field turned for home. He pointed out that Miss Moerman had used the whip early in the straight which Mr Oatham stated was acceptable, but when the horse was not responding and not running on, used her whip on three occasions when the horse was out of contention of the first five placings.

The Respondent Miss Moerman, with the assistance of Jason Laking, stated that she was trying too hard to get the best out of her mount for the connections.

Decision

As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Oatham produced the Respondent’s record, which indicated 3 previous breaches under this particular Rule being;

• 10 June 2025 – Taranaki – $300 fine
• 2 August 2025 – Riccarton – $500 fine
• 8 October 2025 – Avondale – 3 day suspension

Mr Oatham stated that Miss Moerman’s record under this Rule was poor and an uplift in penalty be considered.  He submitted consideration be given to a 4 to 5 day suspension in this case. He added that Miss Moerman was in her first year of riding and to date, had ridden on 253 occasions so far since 29 November 2024.

Miss Moerman, through Mr  Laking, stated that she was in her first year of riding as an Apprentice. She requested a deferment of penalty until after the meeting at Riccarton on Saturday 15 November 2025.

Reasons for Penalty

In determining penalty, this Adjudicative Committee has taken into account Miss Moerman’s poor penalty record in relation to this particular section of the Whip Rule.

This being Miss Moerman’s 4th offence within 5 months, constitutes a poor record.

Her last offence on 10 October 2025 at Avondale, resulted in a 3 day suspension. This Adjudicative Committee determined that an uplift in penalty was warranted, with an uplift of 2 days deemed appropriate.

It was therefore determined, that a 5 day suspension was an appropriate penalty in this case.

Conclusion

The Respondent Miss Moerman is granted a deferment until after racing at Riccarton on 15 November 2025. Her  Licence to ride in races is suspended for 5 days, from close of racing on 15 November 2025, until close of racing on 23 November 2025.