Taranaki TRI 1 February 2025 – R2 – Amber Riddell

ID: RIB51255

Respondent(s):
Amber Kate Riddell - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
N Goodwin - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
N Moffatt and T Castles

Persons Present:
Ms A Riddell, Ms K Hercock - assisting

Information Number:
A17794

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Consecutive whip use

Rule(s):
638(3)(g)(ii) - Contravention whip rule

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
GLORAFILIA

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
01/02/2025

Race Club:
Taranaki Racing Inc

Race Location:
New Plymouth Raceway - Rogan Street, New Plymouth, 4310

Race Number:
R2

Hearing Date:
01/02/2025

Hearing Location:
New Plymouth

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Amber Riddell is fined $150

Evidence

Following the running of Race 2, the Respondent Ms A Riddell, admitted a charge alleging use of whip in consecutive strides over the concluding stages.

Senior Rider Ms K Hercock was present to assist.

Rule 638(3)(g)(ii) provides that in a Flat Race a Rider must not:

(ii) strike a horse with a whip in consecutive strides at any stage of the race.

Using the available race films, Stipendiary Steward Mr Goodwin demonstrated that the Respondent struck her mount two times consecutively over the concluding stages of the race. Ms Riddell won the race, but Stewards did not believe the consecutive strikes aided her in winning.   

Neither Ms Riddell or Ms Hercock had anything to say.

Decision

As Ms Riddell admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Goodwin produced Ms Riddell’s record, which indicated a prior warning at Egmont on 5th October 2024. She has had 171 rides over the last 12 months.

Reasons for Penalty

The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is a $150 fine. The Adjudicative Committee considered all the evidence and submissions. Ms Riddell won the race, but after examining the margin, the nature of the strikes, and the manner in which GLORAFILIA finished the race, the Adjudicative Committee determined there were no compelling reasons to depart from the starting point set out in the Penalty Guide.

On that basis, Ms Riddell is fined $150.

Conclusion

Ms Riddell is fined $150.

Decision Date: 01/02/2025

Publish Date: 03/02/2025