Taranaki RI 27 December 2025 – R5 – Ryan Elliot
ID: RIB62131
Animal Name:
INTEGRITY
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
27/12/2025
Race Club:
Taranaki Racing Inc
Race Location:
New Plymouth Raceway - Rogan Street, New Plymouth, 4310
Race Number:
R5
Hearing Date:
27/12/2025
Hearing Location:
New Plymouth Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Ryan Elliot is fined $250
BACKGROUND
Following the running of Race 5, Rider Mr R Elliot admitted a breach of the Whip Rules, namely that he used his whip above shoulder height in the home straight.
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.”
Mr Elliot admitted the breach and requested that the charge be heard in his absence, as he was travelling with horses that were waiting to return north.
EVIDENCE
Stewards relied on the head‑on video, which showed Mr Elliot on four occasions, using the whip with his arm clearly above shoulder height.
He was positioned to the outside of the field and finished in 6th place
DECISION
As Mr Elliot has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
PENALTY SUBMISSIONS
Stewards submitted that Mr Elliot had only recently returned to race riding after a break, but this was his first charge in six months. He had recently received a warning regarding the same whip action. It was further submitted that although he used his whip above shoulder height on four occasions, penalties imposed have remained consistent with those for first offences in comparable cases.
REASONS FOR PENALTY
The video evidence was clear. Mr Elliot had viewed the footage before leaving the course and admitted the breach.
This was his first charge under this Rule in 6 months. The starting point in the Penalty Guide is a fine of $250.
Consistent with other first breaches of this Rule, the Adjudicative Committee considered a $250 penalty appropriate.
CONCLUSION
Mr Elliot is fined $250.
Decision Date: 27/12/2025
Publish Date: 30/12/2025