Southland RC 22 January 2026 – R7 – Brett Murray
ID: RIB63139
Animal Name:
ROCHELLO
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
22/01/2026
Race Club:
Southland Racing Club
Race Location:
Ascot Park Raceway - 29 Findlay Road, Ascot, Invercargill, 9810
Race Number:
R7
Hearing Date:
22/01/2026
Hearing Location:
Ascot Park Racecourse, Invercargill
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Class A Rider Brett Murray is fined $350
BACKGROUND
Following the running of Race 7, Class A Rider Brett Murray admitted a charge of using the whip forward of the saddle in the forehand position. The particulars of the charge were that Mr Murray allegedly struck his mount, ROCHELLO, on one occasion forward of the saddle with the whip held in the forehand.
Rule 638(3)(f) provides that, in a Flat Race or Trial, 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.
At the start of the hearing, Mr Murray confirmed his knowledge of the Rule and admission of the breach.
EVIDENCE
Ms Haley, with the assistance of Senior Stipendiary Steward Mark Davidson, used the available race videos to identify Mr Murray (ROCHELLO) in contention for a placing midway through the final straight. Just inside the 100 metre mark, Mr Murray was shown using his whip from a forehand position once in front of the saddle.
Mr Murray said he had previously used this whip technique as an Apprentice Rider, when it was permitted under the Rules. He was aware he had to eliminate it from his riding style, but had fallen back into an old habit.
DECISION
As Mr Murray has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY
The New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide provided a starting point of a $300 fine for a first breach of this sub-section of the Whip Rule, Ms Haley said.
Mr Murray had one previous breach on 5 September 2025, when he was fined $300 for delivering two forehand whip strikes forward of the saddle. Stewards believed a small increase should apply, to reflect this second breach within 6 months. Ms Haley pointed out that, on this occasion, Mr Murray had used his whip incorrectly just once.
ROCHELLO ran 3rd, beaten 1.5 lengths.
Mr Murray had nothing to submit on the matter of penalty, other than indicating he would accept what was decided.
REASONS FOR PENALTY
The Penalty Guide provides a $300 fine starting point for a first breach of this sub-section of the Rule. There is no suggested starting point for a second such breach. In these circumstances, a modest increase to the fine is appropriate. The Adjudicative Committee therefore sets the starting point at $350. There are no mitigating or aggravating factors that warrant deviating from this position.
CONCLUSION
Class A Rider Brett Murray is fined $350.
Decision Date: 22/01/2026
Publish Date: 26/01/2026