Waikato TR 7 February 2026 – R8 – Sam Weatherley

Evidence

Following the running of Race 8, the BCD Group Sprint (G1), the Respondent Class A Rider Mr S Weatherly, admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.

The Information alleged that Mr Weatherley struck his mount PIER 9 times prior to the 100 metres.

Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides that in a Flat Race a Rider must not:

(i) 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); or

Using the available race films, Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr Dooley identified PIER ridden by Mr Weatherley, who was making ground wide on the track in the run up the home straight. He demonstrated that Mr Weatherley struck his mount 9 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark. This, being 4 more strikes than permitted under the Rule.

PIER finished in 5th place, earning $12,500.

Mr Weatherley agreed with the number of strikes and had nothing further to add.

Decision

As Mr Weatherley admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Oatham advised the Adjudicative Committee that this is Mr Weatherley’s second breach of the Rule within the reset period. He said that the first breach occurred on 19 December 2025 at Matamata and resulted in a $300 fine.

Mr Oatham stated that the Penalty Guide calls for a suspension of 5 or more days, for a second breach, with four or more strikes. Since the breach occurred in a Group Race, he recommended adding a fine equal to 50% of Mr Weatherley’s stakemoney share—about $300—in addition to the suspension.

Mr Weatherley sought a deferment to any proposed suspension until after racing on 14 February 2026. He had nothing further to add with regards to penalty.

Reasons for Penalty

Mr Weatherley struck his mount 4 times more than permitted. The final of the strikes was marginally prior to the 100 metres. The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is a 5+day suspension.

After considering the circumstances, a 5-day suspension was imposed. In addition, due to the breach having occurred in a Group Race, a fine of $300 was also imposed, which is equal to 50% of Mr Weatherley’s share of the stakes for finishing in 5th place.

Conclusion

Mr Weatherley’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 5 days, commencing after racing on 14 February 2026 and concluding after racing on 22 February 2026. In addition, a fine of $300 is imposed.

Note: The Adjudicative Committee considered this charge in conjunction with an additional charge of careless riding, which also arose from the same race. Although each charge was addressed independently, the Adjudicative Committee conducted its deliberations together for both matters. As a result, the determination of penalties reflected the totality of the end result, which together, was a 12-day suspension.

The careless riding charge is documented separately, and the penalty for this charge commences on 23 February 2026 and concludes after racing on 6 March 2026.