Waipukurau JC 26 April 2026 – R4 – Lily Sutherland
ID: RIB66372
Animal Name:
AUTUMN BEAUTY
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
26/04/2026
Race Club:
Waipukurau JC
Race Location:
Waipukurau Racecourse - , ,
Race Number:
R4
Hearing Date:
26/04/2026
Hearing Location:
Waipukurau Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Lily Sutherland is suspended for 5 days
Evidence
Following the running of Race 4, the Respondent Ms L Sutherland, admitted a charge alleging that she struck her mount AUTUMN BEAUTY 10 times prior to the 100 metres.
Rule 638(3)(g)(i) provides (g) a Rider must not (i) except as provided for in (iii)(A) and (iii)(B) of this sub rule, 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); where it shall not be a contravention of this sub rule (i) if: (iii)(B) a Rider strikes a horse seven times prior to the 100-metre mark, provided that the Rider does not strike the horse more than 3 times after the 100 – metre mark.
Using the available race films, Ms K Jillings demonstrated that Ms Sutherland struck her mount ten times prior to the 100-metre mark.
Neither Ms Sutherland nor Ms Clapperton had anything further to add.
Decision
As Ms Sutherland admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.
Submissions on Penalty
Ms Jillings advised that Ms Sutherland breached this Rule on April 18th, for which she was fined $250. She has had 27 rides since resuming, after a considerable break due to injury. The Stewards submitted that the penalty should be consistent with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for excessive whip use.
Reasons for Penalty
Under the Penalty Guide, a 2nd breach involving 4 or more additional strikes above the permitted number, carries a starting point of a 5+ day suspension. The purpose of the Guide is to promote consistency and fairness across similar cases, ensuring that Riders are treated equitably.
It is of concern that Ms Sutherland has reoffended within such a short period, however some leniency is appropriate, given her recent return to riding after a significant period away from the industry, during which time she may be considered somewhat race‑rusty. Ms Sutherland finished 2nd in the race. It was also noted that the 3rd‑placed runner was ridden by Ms S Brown, who similarly used the whip on 10 occasions, indicating that no clear competitive advantage was gained. Taking all factors into account, a 5‑day suspension was considered appropriate in the circumstances.
Conclusion
Accordingly, Ms Sutherland is suspended for 5 days, from the close of racing on Wednesday April 29th, until the close of racing on Wednesday May 6th.
Decision Date: 26/04/2026
Publish Date: 30/04/2026