Riverton RC 21 April 2025 – R5 – Rohan Mudhoo

BACKGROUND

Following the running of Race 5, Class A Rider Rohan Mudhoo admitted a charge of excessive use of the whip. The particulars of the charge were that Mr Mudhoo allegedly struck his mount, SHOOTING STRIDE, 7 times prior to the 100 metre mark and another 4 times inside the 100 metre mark.

Rule 638(3)(g) provides that, in a Flat Race or Trial, a Rider must not:

(i) 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).

The Rule provides the following exemption:

(iii) it shall not be a contravention of (i) of this sub-Rule if:

(B) a Rider strikes a horse 7 times prior to the 100-metre mark, provided that the Rider does not strike the horse more than 3 times after the 100-metre mark.

At the start of the hearing, Mr Mudhoo confirmed his admission of the breach and that he understood the Rule and the nature of the charge.

EVIDENCE

Mr Jones used the available race videos to identify Mr Mudhoo, aboard SHOOTING STRIDE, challenging for the lead one-off the rail at the top of the home straight. Mr Mudhoo was shown using his whip 7 times prior to the 100-metre mark, twice with his left hand and another 5 times after pulling the whip through to his right hand.

Mr Mudhoo used the whip 4 more times inside the final 100 metres, one strike too many to invoke the exemption quoted above.

SHOOTING STRIDE won the race by a neck.

The Respondent agreed with the number of whip strikes counted by the Stewards. When questioned by the Adjudicative Committee, Mr Mudhoo immediately owned his error.

DECISION

As Mr Mudhoo has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY

Stewards advised that Mr Mudhoo had a clear record under the Whip Rules. Mr Jones referred to the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guidelines, which propose a starting point of a $250 fine for a first breach involving 2 additional whip strikes prior to the 100-metre mark.

The fact that SHOOTING STRIDE went on to win the race could be considered an aggravating factor, Mr Jones said. He invited the Adjudicative Committee to weigh whether this warranted an uplift in penalty.

Asked for his views on an appropriate penalty, Mr Mudhoo reiterated his admission of the breach and had nothing else to say.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

The Penalty Guide suggests a starting point of a $250 fine for a first breach of r 638(3)(g)(i) involving 2 additional whip strikes. The Adjudicative Committee adopts this amount as the starting point.

The fine is increased by $100 to reflect that Mr Mudhoo went on the win the race by the margin of a neck. There are no other aggravating or mitigating factors.

CONCLUSION

Jockey Rohan Mudhoo is fined $350.