Whangarei RC 12 July 2025 – R4 – Gareth Lahoud
ID: RIB56892
Animal Name:
Reptak
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
12/07/2025
Race Club:
Whangarei Racing Club
Race Location:
Ruakaka Racecourse - Peter Snell Road, Ruakaka, 0151
Race Number:
R4
Hearing Date:
12/07/2025
Hearing Location:
Ruakaka Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Rider Gareth Lahoud is suspended for 5 days
Evidence
Following the running of Race 4, the Respondent, Apprentice Rider, Gareth Lahoud, admitted a charge alleging use of his whip on his mount, REPTAK, with an action which raised his arm above shoulder height, four times in the final straight.
Mr Manning was present to assist and support the Rider.
Rule 638(3)(f)(ii) provides that in a Flat Race a Rider must not use his whip:
“(ii) using an action that raises the Rider’s arm above shoulder height”.
Using the available race films, Stipendiary Steward Mr B Jones demonstrated that the Respondent struck his mount 4 times, where his arm was clearly above the height of his shoulder, over the concluding stages of the race. The Respondent took no issue with the description of his actions.
Decision
As the Respondent Gareth Lahoud admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).
Submissions for Penalty
Mr Dooley detailed the Respondent’s record of whip breaches, which demonstrated a poor record, with two prior breaches in the last 5 weeks, where the Respondent was fined $250 on 18 June and $450 on 21 June. He had also received 3 warnings during the same period, including one last week on 9 July. It was submitted that as this was the third breach, a fine was not an appropriate recognition of the seriousness of the situation. For other whip breaches, a penalty of 5 days suspension was the starting point.
Stewards indicated they will refer Mr Lahoud for a Riders School review, given his poor record.
The Respondent made no submissions as to penalty. He sought a deferment of any suspension until the close of racing on 19 July, in order to fulfill pending riding engagements.
Reasons for Penalty
The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of this nature is 5 days (as per updated NZTR Penalty Guide dated 1 March 2022).
After considering the film evidence and the submissions and having due regard to the number strikes and the Rider’s poor record, notwithstanding his early admission coupled with the fact the Respondent is an Apprentice Rider, the Adjudicative Committee determined there were no compelling reasons to depart from the starting point set out in the Penalty Guide.
As this is the Respondent’s third breach of a Whip Rule, a suspension of 5 days is imposed.
The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted.
Conclusion
The Respondent is granted a deferment. His Licence to ride in races is suspended for 5 days, from close of racing on 19 July 2025, until close of racing on 26 July 2025.
Decision Date: 12/07/2025
Publish Date: 14/07/2025