Taranaki RI 31 December 2025 – R8 – Sima Mxothwa

Background:

Following the running of Race 8, the ‘Denis Wheeler Earthmoving Taranaki Cup Saturday 24th January 2026 2000m’, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 636(1)(d). Details are as follows:

‘in that he relaxed his ride over the final stages and was beaten into fifth placing’.

Rule 636(1)(d) provides:

‘A person … being the Rider of a horse in a Race, must ride his horse out to the end of the Race if there is a reasonable chance of it running into a position for which there is prizemoney to be awarded or a dividend to be declared;’

Mr Mxothwa confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee that he understood the Rule and admitted the breach. This was endorsed by Ms Clapperton who was assisting the Respondent.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards identified the incident. FULLA GRACE finished 5th in the event with the margin between this horse and the 4th placed horse – LUCAN (Ms Lynsey Satherley) being a 1/2 length. Approaching the turn FULLA GRACE was in the first 2 or 3, positioned away from the fence with horses to its outside. Inside the 200 metre mark the horse is seen to move out of its own volition. The Respondent then changes his whip hand from right to left.  At the 100 metre mark he is seen to discontinue urging the horse with LUCAN gaining an advantage close to the line.

By way of explanation, Mr Mxothwa noted he had become concerned with the movement of his horse and had concentrated on looking to prevent interference to those horses around him. Ms Clapperton added that the ride reflected inexperience.

Decision:

As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee found the breach proved.

Submissions as to Penalty:

Stewards referred the Adjudicative Committee to the NZTR Penalty Guide. Mr Mxothwa advised that any suspension imposed could take immediate effect.

Reasons for Penalty:

Upon consideration, the Adjudicative Committee was satisfied that the ride of the Respondent amounted to a breach of the Rule, i.e. in essence, the Rider did not ride his horse out to the end of the race where there was a reasonable chance of the horse running into a higher placing.  The Respondent’s record is clear as it relates to a breach of this Rule. The Penalty Guide provides for starting point of a 2 week suspension in circumstance where such starting point relates to the potential placing deemed to have been lost ie: 4th placing. Mr Mxothwa’s explanation as to his actions were duly noted however, the Adjudicative Committee found no compelling reason to deviate from the recommended sanction. A two week suspension is imposed.

Conclusion:

The Respondents licence to ride in races is suspended for two weeks being from 1st January 2026 up to and including 14th January 2026.