Wellington Racing Club – 17 January 2026 – R4- Liam Kauri
ID: RIB62919
Animal Name:
AIR DANCER
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
17/01/2026
Race Club:
Wellington Racing Club
Race Location:
Trentham - 10 Racecourse Rd, Upper Hutt, 5018
Race Number:
R4
Hearing Date:
17/01/2026
Hearing Location:
Trentham racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Mr Kauri suspended 2 national riding days and fined $500
Evidence
Following the running of Race 4, the Respondent Mr L Kauri, admitted a charge alleging he struck his mount AIR DANCER with the whip on six occasions prior to the 100 metres mark with a further five strikes inside the 100 metres.
Apprentice Mentor Kim Clapperton was present to assist.
Rule638(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, Mr Goodwin demonstrated Mr Kauri in front on the home turn when he proceeded to use the whip six times prior to the 100-metre mark. A further five strikes were observed from the 100-metre point to the finish.
Neither Mr Kauri nor Ms Clapperton offered any additional comments in response.
Decision
As Mr Kauri admitted the breach the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.
Submissions For Penalty
Mr Goodwin produced Mr Kauri’s record which indicated the following breaches within the 6 month reset period:
20/12/25 $550 (Group 3)
18/10/25 5 day suspension
17/1/26 5 day suspension
Stewards submitted a penalty commensurate with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guide for excessive whip use.
Reasons For Penalty
The Penalty Guide sets a starting point of a two-day suspension and a $500 fine for a fourth breach that is one strike over the permitted number. There were no aggravating factors or compelling reasons to depart from this starting point.
Accordingly, Mr Kauri is suspended for two days and fined $500. As he has just received a suspension in Race 2, this penalty will commence immediately afterwards.
Conclusion
Mr Kauri’s licence to ride in races is suspended for 2 national riding days from close of racing on February 4th, 2026, to the close of racing on February 6th, 2026. In addition he is fined $500.
Decision Date: 17/01/2026
Publish Date: 19/01/2026