Taranaki RI 13 February 2026 – R8 – Pam Gerard

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Prior to Race 1, Stipendiary Steward Ms K Jillings lodged an Information alleging a breach of Rule 537(a), in that there was a late declaration of Rider for DAHMERS KISS on the morning of raceday.

Trainer Ms Pam Gerard admitted the breach, as endorsed on the Information, but did not wish to be present at the hearing.

Rule 537(a) provides as follows:

The Trainer or Owner or lessee (as the case may be), or the Agent of the Trainer or Owner or lessee (as the case may be), of a horse accepted or deemed to have been accepted for a Race shall declare to NZTR the name of the Rider of that horse by the time and date specified by NZTR for declaration of Riders for that Race.

EVIDENCE:

Ms Jillings advised that she contacted the Racing Bureau to ascertain who the Rider was for DAHMERS KISS. She was informed that they had been advised at 7.25 a.m. on raceday morning that Ms Nicholas was to ride the horse.

She explained that the official time for the declaration of Riders was 1.00 p.m. on Tuesday, 10 February. Stewards generally allow a degree of leniency and only charge Trainers who have not declared a Rider by the morning of raceday.

Ms Gerard offered no explanation to the Stewards for the delay.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it was deemed proved.

PENALTY SUBMISSIONS:

Ms Jillings advised that this was Ms Gerard’s fourth breach of the Rule within the last 120 days, hence the filing of the Information. The previous penalties were as follows:

• 20 December 2025 – $50 fine

• 18 January 2026 – $100 fine

• 5 February 2026 – $150 fine

For comparison, Ms Jillings referred to a case involving Trainer Mr Sharrock, who was fined $300 for a fourth offence. She added that over the past 12 months, this was Ms Gerard’s ninth breach of the Rule.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee considers the timely notification of Riders to be an essential procedural requirement that assists the betting public and upholds fairness, transparency, and the efficient conduct of racing.

Despite previous fines, Ms Gerard has continued to breach the Rule. This present offence constitutes her fourth within the current 120-day reset period. The penalties issued have been progressively increased to encourage compliance.

Taking into account the comparable case in which a $300 fine was imposed for a similar record of offending, and noting Ms Gerard’s continued non-compliance, the Adjudicative Committee considered a fine of the same amount to be appropriate. The Adjudicative Committee also noted Ms Gerard’s history of nine breaches within the past twelve months, indicating an ongoing disregard for the Rule.

CONCLUSION:

Class A Trainer, Pam Gerard, is fined the sum of $300.