Waikato TR 26 October 2026 – R5 – Samantha Collett

ID: RIB72079

Respondent(s):
Samantha Trudy Collett - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr John Oatham, Chief Stipendiary Steward

Chair Adjudicator:
Hilary Gray

Panel Members:
Mike Godber

Persons Present:
Mr John Oatham, Mr Brady Jones - Deputy Chief Steward, Ms Samantha Collett

Information Number:
A18236

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
In that she struck her mount "JUSTIN CASE" in two consecutive strides near the 25 metres

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

Plea:
Admitted

Stewards Report

Results

Animal Name:
Justin Case

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
26/10/2026

Race Club:
Waikato Thoroughbred Racing

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

Race Number:
R5

Hearing Date:
26/10/2026

Hearing Location:
Te Rapa

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Class A Rider Samantha Collett is fined $700

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 5, the Respondent Class A Rider Ms S Collett admitted a charge alleging use of whip in consecutive strides over the concluding stages. Particulars of the charge were that Ms Collett struck her mount JUSTIN CASE in two consecutive strides inside the last 25 metres.

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, Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr Oatham identified JUSTIN CASE, who was in front inside the last 100 metres of the race. He said that 2 to 3 strides from the finish, Ms Collett struck her mount twice in consecutive strides.

Mr Oatham said that Ms Collett ran second in the race.

Ms Collett stated that the charge is not disputed; the film was self explanatory.

Decision:

As Ms Collett admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the charge proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Oatham produced Ms Collett’s record, which he said was clear for the past 6 months. This would usually result in a warning, however, as the race was a Group 2 event, the Penalty Guide stated a starting point fine to be equal to 50% of the Jockey’s share of the winning stake.

The stake for second being $27,750.00 – 50% of Ms Collett’s share was $693.00. He suggested a fine in this vicinity.

Ms S Collett had nothing to add in terms of penalty.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Penalty Guide specifies that the starting point fine for a breach of this type in a Black Type (Group) Race, to be 50% of the Rider’s share of the stake.

The Adjudicative Committee saw no reason to deviate from this policy and therefore applied a fine of $700.

Conclusion:

Class A Rider Ms Collett is fined $700.

Decision Date: 26/10/2026

Publish Date: 27/10/2026

Waikato TR 26 October 2026 – R5 – Samantha Collett

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