Wellington Racing Club – 17 January 2026 – R5- Daniel Stackhouse

Background:

Following the running of Race 5,  an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(3)(f)(ii) in that Mr Daniel Stackhouse used the whip with an action raising his arm above shoulder height on his mount STAR BALLOT.

Rule 638(3)(f)(ii) provides:

(f) A Rider must not use his or her whip:

(ii) using an action that raises the Rider’s arm above shoulder height.

Evidence:

Using the head-on video, the Stewards demonstrated that Mr Stackhouse raised his arm above shoulder height on one occasion. Mr Stackhouse stated that the film “spoke for itself” and had nothing further to add.

Decision:

As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee found the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Goodwin submitted that Mr Stackhouse had been warned on 3 January for using the whip above shoulder height while riding ALASKAN in Race 2 at Trentham. He submitted that the penalty should be consistent with the Penalty Guide.

Reasons for Penalty:

The current Penalty Guide sets a starting point of a $250 fine for a first breach of this Rule. This was a clear and straightforward breach requiring no uplift from that starting point.

Conclusion:

Accordingly Mr Stackhouse was fined $250.