Waimate RC 10 June 2025 – R1 – Leah Hemi
ID: RIB55953
Animal Name:
QUEEN OF KINGS
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
10/06/2025
Race Club:
Waimate Racing Club
Race Location:
Phar Lap Raceway - State Highway 1, Washdyke, Timaru,
Race Number:
R1
Hearing Date:
10/06/2025
Hearing Location:
Timaru
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Leah Hemi was fined the sum of $250
Evidence
Following the running of Race 1, the Respondent, Class A Rider, Leah Hemi admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres “in that she struck her mount 6 times prior to the 100m and a further 7 times after, being a total of 13.”
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, Stipendiary Steward Veronica Fisher showed Ms Hemi in the lead as the field turned for home. She demonstrated that the Respondent struck her mount 6 times from near the home turn to the 100-metre mark, with a further 7 strikes prior to the line.
Ms Hemi stated that she was in a tight finish and with the heavy track, contributed to her using the whip excessively.
Decision
As the Respondent Ms Hemi admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).
Submissions for Penalty
Mrs Fisher produced the Respondent’s record, which indicated a previous breach at Ashburton on 3 April 2025, where she received a $500 fine for 7 strikes, second offence at the time, within the 6 month reset period.
She stated the Penalty Guide for a second breach of excessive whip use for 1 additional strike, was a $250 fine and submitted that a fine commensurate with the Penalty Guide, be considered as penalty.
Ms Hemi elected to make no submissions in regard to penalty.
Reasons for Penalty
The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is set out below.
For breaches of the Whip Rule prior to the 100m mark:
2nd offence starting point $250 fine where there is 1 additional strike
This Adjudicative Committee determined that there were no aggravating factors to consider.
It was therefore determined that an appropriate penalty in this case was a $250 fine, commensurate with the Penalty Guide Starting Point.
Conclusion
The Respondent Ms Hemi is fined the sum of $250.
Decision Date: 10/06/2025
Publish Date: 11/06/2025