Wellington RC 28 June 2025 – R6 – Shaun Fannin

ID: RIB56583

Respondent(s):
Shaun Henry Fannin - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr Neil Goodwin - Senior Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr Warwick Gendall KC (Chair), Mr Bruce Mainwaring

Persons Present:
Mr Goodwin, Mr Fannin

Information Number:
A17625

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Whip Use above Shoulder Height

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
Jesko

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
28/06/2025

Race Club:
Wellington Racing Club

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

Race Number:
R6

Hearing Date:
28/06/2025

Hearing Location:
Trentham Racecourse 10 Racecourse Road Upper Hutt 5018

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Rider Shaun Fannin is fined a sum of $400

Background:

Following the running of Race 6, the ‘Grant Plumbing Wellington Steeplechase’, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(3)(f)(ii). Details are as follows:

‘in that he used his whip with arm raised above shoulder height in the final straight on his mount Jesko’.

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.

The Respondent confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee that he understood the Rule and admitted the breach.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards identified the incident.  In the home straight, and after jumping the last fence, the Respondent is seen to strike his mount JESKO, with the action commencing from above shoulder height. In total, the Respondent is seen to strike his mount on eight occasions, with Stewards satisfied that the balance were ‘compliant’. JESKO won the race. Mr Fannin confirmed that he agreed with Stewards’interpretation.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stewards outlined the Respondent’s record, as it relates to this any breach of this rule within the last 6 months. The Respondent had received a warning at the Egmont Racing Club meeting on 18th May 2025. The Adjudicative Committee was referred to the current NZTR Penalty Guide.

Reasons for Penalty:

Available film identified the alleged breach.  The current NZTR Penalty Guide provides for a $250 fine for a breach under this particular Rule. This was adopted as the starting point. Given the status of the event as a Prestige jumping race, an uplift in penalty was applied. After consideration, a fine of $400 was considered the appropriate penalty.

Conclusion:

Mr Fannin is fined a sum of $400.

Decision Date: 28/06/2025

Publish Date: 30/06/2025