Wellington RC 14 December 2025 – R1 – Mereana Hudson

ID: RIB61896

Respondent(s):
Mereana Karen Hudson - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr N Goodwin - Senior Steward

Adjudicators:
Hon J W Gendall KC (Chair)

Persons Present:
Mr N Goodwin, Ms L Selvakumaran - Steward, Ms M Hudson

Information Number:
A17660

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Used whip above shoulder height

Rule(s):
638(3)(f)(ii) - Contravention whip rule

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
FAITHS CHOICE

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
14/12/2025

Race Club:
Wellington Racing Club

Race Location:
Trentham - 10 Racecourse Rd, Upper Hutt, 5018

Race Number:
R1

Hearing Date:
14/12/2025

Hearing Location:
Trentham Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Rider Mereana Hudson is fined $250

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 1, the “GRANT PLUMBING MAIDEN SPRINT”, Mr Goodwin presented an Information charging Ms Hudson, the Rider of FAITHS CHOICE, with a breach of Whip Rule 638(3)(f)(ii), namely that she used her whip in an action that raised her arm above shoulder height.

Ms Hudson admitted the charge.

The head on race film depicted that FAITHS CHOICE was racing wide and towards the rear of the field when about 350 metres from the finish.  When Ms Hudson was riding with vigour, she applied the whip to the horse on one occasion by raising her right arm holding the whip, in the prohibited action of above shoulder height.

DECISION:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Goodwin advised that Ms Hudson had no previous breaches of this Rule and had been warned once.

Ms Hudson had no submission.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

In line with the Penalty Guide, a fine was deemed the appropriate sanction on this occasion.

CONCLUSION:

Ms Hudson was fined $250.

Decision Date: 14/12/2025

Publish Date: 17/12/2025