Wellington RC 18 October 2025 – R5 – Liam Kauri
ID: RIB59700
Animal Name:
FREDDIE TIME
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
18/10/2025
Race Club:
Wellington Racing Club
Race Location:
Trentham - 10 Racecourse Rd, Upper Hutt, 5018
Race Number:
R5
Hearing Date:
18/10/2025
Hearing Location:
Trentham Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Liam Kauri is suspended for 5 National Riding Days
EVIDENCE:
Following the running of Race 5, the “CONTEMPORARY KOROWAI DESIGNS 1400”, Ms Selvakumaran presented an Information charging Mr Kauri, the Rider of “FREDDIE TIME” with a breach of the Whip Rule 638(3)(g)(i), in that he struck his mount with the whip 10 times prior to the 100 metre mark.
Mr Kauri admitted the charge.
The race films depicted “FREDDIE TIME” surging towards the lead about 250 metres from the finish. It was vigorously ridden by Mr Kauri and struck 10 times before the 100 metre mark as it finished strongly and went into the lead to win by one half length.
DECISION:
As the charge was admitted, it was deemed to be proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
The Informant sought an order for suspension of Licence for 5 National Riding Days. She advised that Mr Kauri had no previous breaches of the Whip Rules.
Mr Kauri frankly admitted his error and put it down to being excited to win the race for a horse that had travelled from Riverton. He has riding engagements up to and including 26 October 2025.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
An aggravating feature was that Mr Kauri’s mount won the race, but this can be balanced against his very good record for a recently busy Rider. He was warned that a Rider cannot breach the Rule so as to win a race and that Jockeys in New Zealand may be fortunate that the NZ Rules do not provide for relegation of a winner where its Rider breaches the Whip Rules.
CONCLUSION:
Accordingly, Mr Kauri’s Licence to ride is suspended for 5 National Riding Days, to commence at the conclusion of racing on 26 October 2025 and to finish after the end of racing on 2 November 2025.
Decision Date: 18/10/2025
Publish Date: 20/10/2025