Wairarapa RC 1 November 2025 – R7 – Bruno Queiroz

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 7, the “PETE’S KITCHENS FEILDING CUP”, Mr Goodwin presented an Information charging Mr Queiroz, the Rider of “SACRED PEARL”, with a breach of Rule 638(3)(f)(ii), in that he used his whip on his mount with his arm above shoulder height on two occasions in the home straight.

Mr Queiroz admitted the breach.

Rule 638(3)(f)(ii) provides that: A rider must not use his whip with an action that raised the Rider’s arm above shoulder height.

That action falls within Rule 638(3)(e) which prohibits use of the whip in an “unnecessary or improper manner”.

The race films depicted Mr Queroiz raising his whip arm on two occasions when striking “SACRED PEARL” within the 150 metre mark, when being vigorously ridden whilst midfield in the home straight.  The action was not in consecutive strides of the horse, but clearly illustrated as improper.

This race was the major event on the day with a total stake of $80,000.  “SACRED PEARL” was unplaced in the field of 10.

DECISION:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Goodwin advised that Mr Queiroz had a poor recent record of breaching this Rule prohibiting this manner of using his whip.  He has had 3 previous offences within 10 weeks (on 24, 30 August and 4 October 2025), for which he had been fined progressively $250, $350 and $450.

Mr Queiroz was advised by the Adjudicative Committee that he was now facing suspension.

He responded that as a busy Senior Rider, he had a wealth of opportunity to ride in major upcoming races over the late spring and early summer, and a fine rather than suspension was sought.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Queiroz has had 99 rides with 18 wins and 20 placings, since coming to ride in New Zealand from a successful career in Singapore.  He was earlier advised by the Steward of the Whip Rules and spoken to about having to moderate his riding style.  Apart from warnings, with 4 convictions over a short period, he appears to have some difficulty in changing his style in the heat of the moment.  He told the Adjudicative Committee, in his efforts to reward the Connections, he made mistakes.

Whilst the NZTR Penalty “Guide” fixes a starting point of a fine of $250, this is for one offence and is only a guide.  For a fourth breach of this aspect of the Whip Rule, with escalating fines on 3 recent occasions, a substantial uplift is necessary to deter Mr Queiroz in the future.  It must also be fixed so as to deter other repeat offenders from continued breaches.  Whilst Mr Queiroz did not earn any stakes percentage (if he had won, his share would have been $2,300), that was what he was attempting, by offending in the final stages of the race.

The time has come for him to be fined at a level which well exceeds the fines which have escalated over recent times.

CONCLUSION:

On balance, he will not be suspended, but a fine of $1,000 is imposed.