Tapanui RC 21 December 2025 – R7 – Abdul Najib
ID: RIB62032
Animal Name:
ABIT SASSY
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
21/12/2025
Race Club:
Tapanui Racing Club
Race Location:
Gore Racecourse - 136 Gore-Mataura Highway, Gore, 9772
Race Number:
R7
Hearing Date:
21/12/2025
Hearing Location:
Gore
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Class B Rider Abdul Najib is suspended for 4 days
Miss Haley alleged that in Race 7, Mr Najib allowed his mount ABIT SASSY to shift inwards shortly after the start, crowding LADY DIVA inwards onto MONAGHAN BOY, who was checked.
Mr Davidson demonstrated on the videos that the Respondent had drawn a gate four from the outside and, shortly after the start, ABIT SASSY, which had jumped out well, commenced to shift inwards. He said Mr Najib was not quite clear of the horse to his inside, LADY DIVA (Mr Jacobson), which was crowded inwards onto MONAGHAN BOY (Ms Bakker), who was checked. He said Mr Jacobson had had to take a hold of his horse. Ms Bakker was checked quite badly.
Mr Laking agreed the incident was clear on the films. Mr Najib had dictated LADY DIVA across. Mr Jacobson was trying to relieve the pressure but could not, and MONAGHAN BOY was checked.
Mr Najib said he had come across too quick. There had been yelling. He was aware he was shifting in and had corrected ABIT SASSY, but he was too late.
Decision
As Mr Najib has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
Submissions as to Penalty
Miss Haley produced the Respondent’s record, which evidenced 1 breach of this Rule in the past 12 months. The penalty imposed was a 5-day suspension at Ashburton in October. Mr Najib has had 243 rides in the past 12 months. She described the breach as low end.
Mr Najib confirmed his record. He stated he had a forthcoming engagement and wished the suspension to start after racing at Kurow on the 30th of this month.
Mr Laking agreed with the Stewards’ assessment of the gravity of the breach and emphasised that Mr Najib’s record was good and that the breach had been admitted.
Reasons for Penalty
Mr Najib has admitted riding carelessly shortly after the start, by allowing his mount ABIT SASSY to shift inwards, when he was not his length and another clear of the horse to his inside. He caused interference to 2 horses. It is a low end breach, and the Penalty Guide provides a 5-day starting point. Mr Najib’s record is good, considering the number of rides he has had in the past 12 months. There is a one-day discount for this and the admission of the breach.
Conclusion
Mr Najib is suspended from the end of racing on 30 December, up to and including 3 January 2026. This is 4 National Riding Days.
Decision Date: 21/12/2025
Publish Date: 23/12/2025