Wanganui JC 19 January 2026 – R8 – Lisa Latta

Background

Stipendiary Steward, Ms L  Selvakumaran, filed an Information against Licensed Trainer, Ms L  Latta, alleging that she declared a Rider for QACENTINA on race morning. This constituted Ms Latta’s fourth offence of this nature within a 120‑day period.

Ms Latta endorsed the Information, admitting the breach but electing not to be present at the hearing.

Rule 537(a) provides that:

The Trainer or Owner or lessee (as the case may be) or the Agent of the Trainer, Owner, or lessee (as the case may be) for a horse accepted or deemed to have been accepted for a Race shall:

• declare to NZTR the name of the Rider of that horse by the time and date specified by NZTR for declaration of Riders for that Race.

Evidence

Ms Selvakumaran advised that a charge of this type would usually be dealt with by way of a Minor Infringement Notice (MIN). However, as this was Ms Latta’s fourth breach within the reset period, a formal Information was laid.

Ms Latta explained to the Stewards that she was uncertain (based on track conditions) whether to start the horse, and had delayed making a Rider decision until race morning.

Decision

The charge was admitted and is therefore deemed proved.

Submissions on Penalty

Ms Selvakumaran submitted that Ms Latta’s previous offences had attracted penalties of $50 and $100 respectively under the MIN system. Her 3rd breach was met with another $100 fine, but extenuating circumstances applied on that occasion.

Reasons for Penalty

This was Ms Latta’s fourth such breach within 120 days. Taking into account her record and the absence of any extenuating factors, the Adjudicative Committee determined that a fine of $300 was appropriate and consistent with other comparable decisions.

Conclusion:

Ms Latta was fined $300.