Waikato TR 7 February 2026 – R1 – Daniel Stackhouse

Background:

Following the running of Race 1, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(3)(f)(ii) in that Class A Rider Mr Daniel Stackhouse used the whip with an action raising his arm above shoulder height on his mount SUIT YOURSELF on three occasions.

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

(f) A Rider must not use his or her whip:

(ii) using an action that raises the Rider’s arm above shoulder height.

Evidence:

Using the available race films, Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr J Oatham demonstrated that Mr Stackhouse struck his mount, SUIT YOURSELF, raising his left arm above shoulder height on three occasions.

In response, Mr Stackhouse stated that he is mindful that he tends to raise his left-hand above his shoulder, when applying the whip.  He added that in his view, the breach was borderline.

Decision:

As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee found the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Oatham advised that this is Mr Stackhouse’s second breach of the Rule in New Zealand.  His previous breach occurred at the Wellington RC Meeting on 17 January 2026, and it resulted in a $250 fine. Mr Oatham submitted that a modest uplift from his previous fine, would be appropriate on this occasion.

With regards to penalty, Mr Stackhouse stated that it was a low-level breach.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Penalty Guide sets a starting point of a $250 fine for a breach of this Rule. Given that this was his second breach of the Rule and there were three strikes, a $100 uplift was applied.

Conclusion:

Mr Stackhouse is fined $350.