Waikato TR 3 May 2025 – R2 – Ryan Elliot

ID: RIB54750

Respondent(s):
Ryan Trevor Elliot - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr B Jones - Senior Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr M Godber (Chair), Ms G Himona

Persons Present:
Mr B Jones, Mr R Elliot

Information Number:
A19054

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Whip action above shoulder height

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
ELOISE

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
03/05/2025

Race Club:
Waikato Thoroughbred Racing

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

Race Number:
R2

Hearing Date:
03/05/2025

Hearing Location:
Te Rapa Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Ryan Elliot is fined $300

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 2, Class A Rider Mr R Elliot admitted using his whip in an action above shoulder height.

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

Without limiting the generality of subrule 638(3), 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, Stipendiary Steward Mr Jones demonstrated that in the home straight, Mr Elliot struck his mount ELOISE, using an action with his arm raised above shoulder height on 1 occasion.

Mr Elliot accepted the Steward’s interpretation and had nothing further to add.

DECISION:

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

SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY:

Mr Jones advised that Mr Elliot had one previous breach under this Rule on 23 April 2025 at Auckland TR at Pukekohe Park and had been fined $300. This was a $50 uplift from the Starting Point of $250, because there were 3 strikes on that occasion.

In the current case, the Stewards recommended a $50 uplift on the Starting Point, as this was his second offence, albeit there was only one strike.

Mr Elliot had nothing to add concerning penalty.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The films showed 1 strike above the shoulder.  From a $250 starting point, a $50 uplift was applied, due to this being Mr Elliot’s second offence. Mr Elliot is fined $300.

CONCLUSION:

Mr Elliot is fined $300.

Decision Date: 03/05/2025

Publish Date: 05/05/2025