Whangarei RC – 6 January 2026 – R7 – Elen Nicholas
ID: RIB62529
Animal Name:
BLACKWATERFOOT
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
06/01/2026
Race Club:
Whangarei Racing Club
Race Location:
Ruakaka Racecourse - Peter Snell Road, Ruakaka, 0151
Race Number:
R7
Hearing Date:
06/01/2026
Hearing Location:
Ruakaka Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Ms Nicholas is fined $400
Following the running of Race 7 the rider of BLACKWATERFOOT, Elen Nicholas was charged with a breach of Rule 638(3)(f)(iii) which provides that “the whip must not be used on a horse when it is out of contention of finishing in the first five places.” Ms Nicholas confirmed she understood the rule and that she admitted the charge. As Ms Nicholas is an apprentice rider, she had a support person with her, Michelle Northcott.
Accordingly, the charge is deemed to be proved.
Evidence
The films were shown by the Stewards which clearly demonstrated that BLACKWATERFOOT was in 6th place and losing ground prior to the 200 metre mark. Ms Nicholas was seen to strike her mount at least twice prior to the 150 metre mark. Her horse finished in last place.
Ms Nicholas said that she did not use the whip in the last 100 metres as she had realised her horse was out of contention. She pointed out that at the most there were only 5 strikes administered throughout the race.
Penalty
The Stewards noted Ms Nicholas had a prior breach of this rule on 27 December 2025 when she was fined $300.
The Starting Point in the Penalty Guide provides for a fine of $300. Given the previous breach was only 10 days previous, the Adjudicative Committee was of the view an uplift was required. Ms Nicholas had made an early admission of the breach therefore an appropriate uplift of $100 was deemed fair.
Ms Nicholas is fined $400.
Decision Date: 06/01/2026
Publish Date: 08/01/2026