Riccarton Park – Riccarton Turf 3 May 2025 – R10 – Leah Hemi

ID: RIB54767

Respondent(s):
Leah TeAra Hemi - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr John Oatham - Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Dave Anderson (Chair), Russell McKenzie

Persons Present:
Mr Oatham and Miss Hemi

Information Number:
A20285

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Striking her horse 2 times forward of the saddle

Rule(s):
638(3)(f) (xi) - Contravention whip rule - Whip Regulations

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
ON THE RIVET

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
03/05/2025

Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club

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

Race Number:
R10

Hearing Date:
03/05/2025

Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Leah Hemi is fined $300

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 10, Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr John Oatham presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 638(3)(f)(xi) by Class A Jockey Miss Lean Hemi.

(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
his or her whip:

(xi) forward of the Rider’s saddle whilst the whip is held in the forehand position.

Miss Hemi stated she was conversant with the Rule and the Charge and confirmed she did admit the breach.

Mr Oatham identified Miss Hemi (ON THE RIVET) on the final straight video, racing down the outside of the track and in tight quarters approaching the 250m. Mr Oatham pointed to Miss Hemi strike her horse once forward of the saddle at this juncture and 4 strides later, again, once more.

Miss Hemi said she was in very tight between horses.

DECISION:

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

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham stated Miss Hemi has a clear record under the Rule, which is a relatively new addition to the Regulations.

Mr Oatham said a fine of $300 is the starting point in the Penalty Guidelines.

Miss Hemi made no submissions on Penalty.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines provide a $300 fine starting point for a first breach of the Rule. There are no factors here for the Adjudicative Committee to depart from this starting point.

CONCLUSION:

Class A Jockey Miss Leah Hemi is fined $300.

Decision Date: 03/05/2025

Publish Date: 06/05/2025