Southland RC 19 April 2026 – R1 – Ohara Najib

BACKGROUND

Following the running of Race 1, Apprentice Jockey Ohara Najib admitted a breach of the Whip Rules, namely that he ‘used his whip with an action which raised his arm above shoulder height on his mount, NIGEL.’

Rule 638(3) provides as follows:

(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:

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

At the start of the hearing, Mr Najib confirmed his admission of the breach and that he understood the Rule and the nature of this charge. He was assisted at the hearing by Apprentice Jockey Mentor, Jason Laking.

EVIDENCE

Stipendiary Steward Rebecca Haley invited her colleague, John Oatham, to use the available race videos to illustrate the alleged breach. Mr Oatham identified the Respondent mounting a challenge down the middle of the track in the final straight. The footage was played in slow motion and at normal speed to show Mr Najib striking his horse, NIGEL, four times from the 175 metre mark with a whip action that raised his arm above shoulder height.

Mr Najib and Mr Laking did not dispute the Stewards’ evidence and agreed with the number of strikes alleged to be in breach of the Rule.

DECISION

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

PENALTY SUBMISSIONS

Stewards produced the Respondent’s record, which showed no breaches of the Rule in the previous 6 months.

Ms Haley referred to the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide for Whip Rule breaches, which proposed a starting point of a $250 fine for a first breach of this Rule.

Mr Najib and Mr Laking agreed with the Stewards’ penalty submission.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

Mr Najib delivers four whip strikes from above shoulder height to his mount, NIGEL, in the closing 175 metres. It is the Respondent’s first breach of the Rule within the 6-month reset period. The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a $250 fine in such circumstances.

The Adjudicative Committee refers to a precedent (R Mudhoo) also involving four strikes from above the shoulder, which attracted a fine of $250.

There are no aggravating or mitigating factors in play. Mr Najib did not win the race, therefore an uplift is not required. A fine at the starting point is appropriate.

CONCLUSION

Apprentice Jockey Ohara Najib is fined $250.