Waimate RC 10 June 2025 – R8 – Abdul Najib

Evidence

Following the running of Race 8, the Respondent Class B Rider Abdul Najib admitted a charge alleging excessive whip use prior to the 100 metres.

Mr Najib was assisted by Trainer Michael Pitman at the hearing.

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, with the assistance of Stipendiary Steward, Rebecca Haley, pointed out Mr Najib riding KOYAMA, racing midfield as the field turned for home. She demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 11 times, from near the home turn, to the 100-metre mark. Mrs Fisher stated that Mr Najib used the whip on 2 further occasions inside the 100m.  She added that Mr Najib went on to win the race.

Mr Respondent elected to make no submissions in regard to the breach.

Decision

As the Respondent Mr Najib admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Oatham produced the Respondent, Mr Najib’s record, which indicated 2 previous breaches being;

• 26 April 2025 – Riccarton – 5 day suspension for 8 strikes
• 26 April 2025 – Riccarton – 6 day suspension for 8 strikes

Mrs Fisher stated the Penalty Guide starting point for excessive whip use for 4 or more additional strikes, was a 5 plus national day suspension. The aggravating factor, she submitted, was the fact that Mr Najib went on to win the race.

Mr Najib made no submissions in regard to penalty, apart from requesting a deferment until after the meeting at Oamaru on 15 June 2025.

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:

3rd offence starting point 5+ national day suspension where there are 4 or more additional strikes

The Penalty Guide provides a 5 plus day suspension for a 3rd breach of this Rule within a 6 month period. Therefore, it was determined that a 6 day starting point was appropriate.

The aggravating factor was the fact that Mr Najib went on to win the race, warranting an uplift, which was set at 1 day.

It was therefore determined, that an appropriate penalty in this case, was a 7 day suspension.

Conclusion

The Respondent Mr Najib is granted a deferment until after racing at Oamaru on 15 June 2025. His Licence to ride in races is suspended for 7 days, from close of racing on 15 June 2025, until close of racing on 28 June 2025.