Whangarei RC 16 August 2025 – R8 – Gareth Lahoud

Evidence

Following the running of Race 8, the Respondent, Apprentice Rider Gareth Lahoud, admitted a charge alleging he breached Rule 638(3)(f)(i) in that he struck his mount EMMY DAZZLER with the whip forward of the shoulder on two occasions near the 400 metres.

His Employer, Trainer Mr C Wood, supported Mr Lahoud at the hearing.

Rule 638(3)(f)(i) provides that in a Flat Race a Rider must not use his whip (i) forward of the Rider’s horse’s shoulder…

Using the available race films, Stipendiary Steward Mr A Dooley, identified EMMY DAZZLER (G Lahoud) racing on the rails, as the field entered the homer straight. He pointed out that Mr Lahoud pulled his whip from his left hand to his right hand, then raised his arm and struck his mount twice forward of the shoulder.

Mr Lahoud said that he agreed with the Stewards’ interpretation of the breach. Mr Wood said that he has developed a habit of pulling his whip through the reins to change whip hand and he is trying to educate him to desist from this practice.

Decision

As the Respondent has admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Dooley advised that although Mr Lahoud has a poor record with regards to ‘other’ whip category breaches, this is his first breach of Rule 638(3)(f)(i). He recommended after considering Mr Lahoud’s good record, with regards this to particular Rule, and his admission of the breach, a fine in the vicinity of $300 would be an appropriate penalty.

Mr Lahoud made no submissions as to penalty. Mr Wood reiterated that Mr Lahoud would continue to be coached regarding his whip use.

Reasons for Penalty

Charges under this Rule are dealt with on a fact dependent basis. This Rule is rarely breached and there are a limited number of comparable cases. The case K Wiles, 26 April 2024, at Matamata RC, provides some guidance in that Rider K Wiles received a $300 fine for striking his mount twice forward of the shoulder, in breach of the Rule. It was said in that case, “precedent provides guidance where penalty has varied from a $250 to $500 fine, dependent upon individual circumstance.”

It was pointed out that Mr Lahoud, generally, has a poor record with regard to whip breaches of ‘other’ Whip Category Rules. That is fact noted, despite this being his first breach of this particular Rule. It was also noted that on 12 July 2025, Stewards referred Mr Lahoud to the Rider Skills Panel, following a breach which related to raising his arm above shoulder height.

Having considered the evidence, a fine of $300 is imposed. However, it must be said that Mr Lahoud requires further tutelage regarding his whip use, otherwise he will continue to breach and incur fines and suspensions. A situation which is neither desirable, nor sustainable.

Conclusion

Mr Lahoud is fined $300.