Taumarunui RC 26 July 2025 – R3 – Munna Alam

Following the running of Race 3, Class A Rider Mr Alam, admitted using his whip in an action above shoulder height on his mount REECETHERAGEESE.

Rule 638(3)(f)(ii) provides:

Without limiting the generality of subrule 638(3)(f)(ii), in a Flat Race…A Rider must not use his/her whip:

(ii)using an action that raises the Rider’s arm above shoulder height.

EVIDENCE

Using the available race films, Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr Oatham demonstrated that Mr Alam struck his mount 5 times in the straight, using an action which raised his arm above his shoulder height.

REECETHERAGEESE finished in second place.

In response, by way of explanation, Mr Alam acknowledged that his whip action was incorrect.

DECISION

As Mr Alam admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).

SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY

Chief Stipendiary Steward J Oatham produced Mr Alam’s record, which indicated a breach of this Rule on 18 June 2025, in that he struck his mount 5 times using an action above the shoulder. On this occasion, he was fined $450, an uplift (from $250) due to the number of strikes and force applied.

He said that the Penalty Guidelines provide a starting point guide of $250 for a first offence (as of February 2025) and as this was Mr Alam’s second offence, that the Stewards would see the penalty as being no less than the previous penalty of $450. Mr Oatham also indicated that the Stewards would not be averse to a suspension being imposed, rather than a fine, due to Mr Alam’s financial position.

In response, Mr Alam said that he had nothing to add and requested that the Adjudicative Committee considers a suspension, rather than a fine.

Pursuant to Rule 1106(2)(b), Mr Alam sought a deferment until after racing on the 30th of August to any proposed suspension, if he was to be suspended.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

When assessing penalty, the Adjudicative Committee had regard for the number of strikes, force used, Mr Alam’s record and financial position. Having considered these factors, the Adjudicative Committee determined that a 5 day suspension of Mr Alam’s Riders License was appropriate.

The Adjudicative Committee also identified that while Mr Alam is not a busy Rider, he does ride regularly at the Cambridge synthetic, which is included as a date within his penalty. The Adjudicative Committee agreed with the Stewards, that a further breach of this Rule, should necessitate that Mr Alam seeks guidance from the Rider Skills Review Panel.

CONCLUSION

Mr Alam is suspended for 5 National Days.  Mr Alam’s request for a deferment is granted, with the suspension starting after the conclusion of racing on 30 July, until the conclusion of racing on 9 August 2025.