Waikato TR 26 October 2026 – R3 – Rihaan Goyaram

ID: RIB72072

Respondent(s):
Rihaan Goyaram - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
John Oatham - Chief Stipendiary Steward

Chair Adjudicator:
Hilary Gray

Panel Members:
Mike Godber

Persons Present:
John Oatham, Brady Jones - Deputy Chief Steward, Rihaan Goyaram, Ralph Manning (Support Person)

Information Number:
A18235

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
In that he struck his mount "ROSINA" eight times prior to the 100 metres

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
Rosina

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
26/10/2026

Race Club:
Waikato Thoroughbred Racing

Race Location:
Te Rapa Racecourse - Te Rapa Road, Hamilton, 3200

Race Number:
R3

Hearing Date:
26/10/2026

Hearing Location:
Te Rapa

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Class B Rider Rihaan Goyaram was fined $500

Following the running of Race 3, Class B Jockey, Rihaan Goyaram, admitted a charge that, as the Rider of ROSINA in the race, he “used his whip 8 times prior to the 100 metres”

Mr Goyaram was assisted at the hearing by Mr R Manning.

Rule 638 provides:

(g) Subject to the other requirements this Rule 638(3), in a Flat Race or trial (including jump-outs and/or tests for certification purposes), 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).

Evidence:

Chief Stipendiary Steward, Mr J Oatham, showed a video replay and identified ROSINA travelling outside the leader entering the home straight.

Mr Oatham then showed Mr Goyaram commence using his whip, and use it 8 times from that point to the 100 metres.

Mr Goyaram and Mr Manning accepted the number of strikes alleged by the Stewards.

Decision:

The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Oatham noted that Mr Goyaram had a clear record under this Rule and the NZTR Penalty Guide provided for a fine of $500 for a first offence.

Mr Goyaram had no comment to make.

Decision for Penalty:

The Adjudicative Committee accepted the Penalty Guide starting point of a $500 fine. There being no mitigating or aggravating circumstances, the Adjudicative Committee settled on a $500 fine.

Conclusion:

Mr Goyaram is fined $500.

Decision Date: 26/10/2026

Publish Date: 27/10/2026