Waverley RC 19 October 2025 – R4 – Toni Davies
ID: RIB59716
Animal Name:
OFFERTORY
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
19/10/2025
Race Club:
Waverley Race Club
Race Location:
Waverley Racecourse - Ihupuku Road, Waverley, 4510
Race Number:
R4
Hearing Date:
19/10/2025
Hearing Location:
Waverley Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Toni Davies is suspended for 5 days
Evidence
Following the running of Race 4, the Respondent Ms T Davies admitted a charge alleging she used her whip 7 times prior to the 100 metres and 7 times after on her mount OFFERTORY. Apprentice Mentor Ms K Clapperton was present to assist.
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);
Using the available race films, Ms Fisher demonstrated that Ms Davies struck her mount 7 times from the straight entrance to the 100-metre mark and a further 7 times before the finish.
Ms Davies agreed with the number of strikes as shown and had nothing further to add.
Decision
As Ms Davies admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.
Submissions for Penalty
Ms Fisher produced Ms Davies’ record, which showed two previous breaches:
3/5/25 7 strikes – $300 (won the race)
15/5/25 7 strikes – $500
Stewards submitted that the appropriate penalty should align with the NZ Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) Penalty Guidelines.
Ms Clapperton, assisting Ms Davies, noted that she has demonstrated commendable whip control since May, with no further breaches until the present incident. She described the breach as out of character and added that the horse was responding to the whip.
Reasons for Penalty
Under the current NZTR Penalty Guidelines (February 2025), a third breach involving two additional strikes beyond the permitted number, typically attracts a 5-day suspension. The Respondent’s record confirms this is her third breach of the same Rule. Ms Davies has shown improved compliance since her last breach in May. There were no aggravating factors present, that would warrant an uplift in penalty.
Conclusion
In accordance with the NZTR Guidelines and considering the circumstances, Ms Davies is suspended from riding for 5 days. Her suspension begins after racing today, October 19th, until the conclusion of racing on Sunday October 26th.
Decision Date: 19/10/2025
Publish Date: 21/10/2025