Wanganui JC – 18 April 2026 – R6 – Lily Sutherland
ID: RIB66159
Animal Name:
HONEY BADGER
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
18/04/2026
Race Club:
Wanganui Jockey Club
Race Location:
Wanganui Racecourse - 19 Purnell Street, Whanganui, 4500
Race Number:
R6
Hearing Date:
18/04/2026
Hearing Location:
Wanganui Racecourse 19 Purnell Street Whanganui 4500
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice rIDER Ms Lily Sutherland is fined $250
BACKGROUND
Following the running of Race 6, the ‘Lisa Latta Racing Stables 1200’, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(i). The Information read as follows:
‘struck her mount HONEY BADGER 7 times prior to the 100m’
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.
Ms Sutherland confirmed that she understood the Rule, the nature of the charge and admission of the breach. Ms Sutherland was assisted in the hearing by Ms Clapperton (Apprentice Rider Mentor).
EVIDENCE
Using the available race film, Stewards identified the incident. Entering the straight, HONEY BADGER was angled to the outside fence. The Respondent is seen to strike her mount on 7 occasions between this point and the 100 metre mark, whilst another 4 strikes are noted prior to the finish line. HONEY BADGER won the event with the 2nd horse being .75 lengths behind on the line.
When asked the Respondent confirmed that she agreed with Steward interpretation and count.
DECISION
As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach to be proved.
SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY
Ms Sutherland’s record is clear as it relates to any previous breach of this Rule within the last six months. She has only recently resumed race day riding after a lengthy absence. Stewards referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current NZTR Penalty Guide which provides for a starting point of a $250 fine – 1st offence 2 additional strikes.
REASONS FOR PENALTY
The breach is identified by film. Upon consideration of submissions a fine of $250 is deemed the appropriate penalty.
CONCLUSION
Ms Sutherland is fined a sum of $250.
Decision Date: 18/04/2026
Publish Date: 20/04/2026