Waikato TR 13 December 2025 – R8 – Triston Moodley
ID: RIB61793
Animal Name:
Gigi
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
13/12/2025
Race Club:
Waikato Thoroughbred Racing
Race Location:
Te Rapa Racecourse - Te Rapa Road, Hamilton, 3200
Race Number:
R8
Hearing Date:
13/12/2025
Hearing Location:
Te Rapa Racecourse - Ken Browne Drive Te Rapa, Hamilton 3200
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Triston Moodley is fined $620
BACKGROUND
Following the running of Race 8, the Group 3 ‘SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Cup’ an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(i). The Information read as follows:
‘In that he used his whip 7 times prior to the 100 metres with a further 4 strikes inside the 100 metres’
Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides (g) a Rider must not (i) except as provided for in (iii)(A) and (iii)(B) of this sub rule, strike a horse with a whip more than 5 times prior to the 100-metre mark (other than in a slapping motion down the shoulder with the whip hand remaining on the reins); where sub rule (iii)(b) provides – a Rider strikes a horse seven times prior to the 100-metre mark, provided that the Rider does not strike the horse more than 3 times after the 100-metre mark.
Mr Moodley acknowledged that he understood the Rule, the nature of the charge and confirmed his admission of the breach. Mr Moodley was assisted in the hearing by Mr Rogan Norvall.
EVIDENCE
Using the available race film, Stewards identified the incident. Mr Moodley is seen to strike his mount on 7 occasions, from the top of the straight to the 100 metre mark, with 4 additional strikes applied between from this point and the finish line. GIGI finished second in the event, with the margin to the winner, being a head. The Respondent agreed with Steward interpretation and had no additional comment to make.
DECISION
As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach to be proved.
SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY
Senior Stewards produced the Respondent’s record as it relates to any breach of this Rule, within the last six months. His record is clear. The Stewards referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current Penalty Guide which provides for a fine – first offence 2 additional strikes. Stewards recommended an uplift in penalty, recognizing race status as a Group 3 event.
REASONS FOR PENALTY
The breach is clearly identified by film. The Guide provides for a starting point set at $250, first offence 2 additional strikes. However, in Black Type Races, the starting point will be an amount equal to 50% of the Jockey’s share of the stake earned by their mount, or the starting point denoted on the whip penalty table, whichever is the greater. This sum was calculated at $647.50, which exceeds that starting point outlined on the table. On balance, a fine of $620 was imposed.
CONCLUSION
Mr Moodley is fined a sum of $620.
Decision Date: 13/12/2025
Publish Date: 15/12/2025