Waikato TR 18 June 2025 – R9 – Munna Alam

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 9, Class A Rider Mr Alam, admitted using his whip in an action above shoulder height on his mount MR FORTRUS.

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

Without limiting the generality of subrule 638 (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 race films Trainee Stipendiary Steward Ms Greig identified MR FORTRUS ridden by Mr Alam racing near the rails in second place for most of the run up the home straight. During the concluding stages, over a distance of about one hundred metres, she said Mr Alam struck his mount five times using an arm action above his shoulder height.

MR FORTRUS finished in second place.

Mr Alam agreed that his arm action was “a little bit high.”

DECISION:

As Mr Alam admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the charge proved.

SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Dooley advised that Mr Alam had a clear record for this Rule. He said that the Penalty Guidelines provide for a fine of $250 for a first offence, but there are aggravating factors for the Adjudicative Committee to consider when assessing penalty; namely the number of strikes and the force used by Mr Alam in the application of his strikes. On that basis, Mr Dooley submitted that an uplift from the starting point penalty is sought.

In response Mr Alam said that he had nothing to add and asked the Adjudicative Committee to consider giving him a warning rather than a fine.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee determined that the number of strikes above the shoulder (five) was excessive, they were forceful and were applied over a short distance. Accordingly, an uplift from a starting point of $250 was required. In assessing an appropriate fine the Adjudicative Committee took the view that the starting point of $250 adequately dealt with the first strike, but for the remaining four non-compliant strikes a $200 uplift was necessary.

Mr Alam has limited riding opportunities. It is concerning that five of his six whip strikes in the race were non-compliant. He should seek coaching to improve his whip use technique.

CONCLUSION:

Mr Alam fined $450.