Chief Stipe

Notice the definition(s) missing in these rules? AMENDMENTS TO THE WHIP RULES (RULE 638(3)(c)) After very careful consideration, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has decided to make some changes to the Rules regarding the use of the whip. These changes were initiated by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities to try to achieve consistency with the use of the whip by Jockeys over the world. As you will be aware, the use of the whip during a race is seen by many people as cruel and unless we take steps to change that perception we could face increasing opposition. The changes to the Rules are for the welfare of the horse, to demonstrate that we are serious about caring for our horses. The new Rules are intended to make sure that whips are not used in such a way that they cause unnecessary pain during a race. The changes to the Rules will come into effect next Wednesday (12th February). These changes are: The whip must not be used if you are not in contention of running in the first five placings. – The whip should only be used to get the best out of your horse when in contention. It is not a good look for horses out of contention to be getting hit with the whip. The whip must not be used on a horse’s flank. – The horse’s flank is a very sensitive area and getting hit there is painful. This area must be avoided. The whip must not be used forward of the saddle whilst it is held in the forehand position. – A horse’s shoulder, neck and head are also sensitive areas and should not be hit with any force. Tapping the shoulder using the whip in the downward position is ok. The whip must not be used in a manner which causes a welt and or injury. – Whips should be used for encouragement and not to cause injury. Injuries and welts may be seen by spectators or on television and makes racing look bad. In essence, most Jockeys will not have to make any changes to the way they use the whip currently, as it is not common for it to be used in a way which would breach the new Rules. The new Rules are to show that there is no intention to use the whip irresponsibly. The new Rules are not intended to collect more money in fines, the best outcome would be if no jockey was ever found guilty of breaking them. The rule amendments will be published shortly and will be available on the LoveRacing website. These are added to the existing rules, please check the rule book for all whip rules.

I just read another case which was thrown out because the investigators evidence didn't pass judicial evidential thresholds. That would have ended quite a few cases in NZ Racing.

Right you picked it up in real time and then went back and stopped the video at the exact spot you wanted. You've got your platform elsewhere for your Crusade - fill ya boots.

FFS I see someone can see welts on picture taken as a part frame from a TV video. Geez you are really doing well in your Crusade @curious.

FFS stop playing thick @curious (although I'm not sure why you are working with the brains trust on other side). Posting anonymously on ANY form of Social Media is NOT communicating with them DIRECTLY. I see zillions are lining up to support you.

You got them by playing the video in slow motion and then zooming in and taking a snapshot - did you not? A bit of a stretch to say NZTR them to you. However if you are serious about your Crusade I'm sure you have sent your snapshots to both NZTR and the RIU. I'm certain SAFE and associated Journalists have them now. Feel free to post what you get back.

@curious have you and @Comic Dog passed your pictures onto the RIU? Just asking for your friend @Thomass.

Lazarus: John Pimental's HIWU Case 'Led To Some Positive Steps Forward' paulickreport.com Trainer John Pimental, now 70, resumed his career last December after a 15-month suspension from the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU), enforcement arm of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA). The trainer and his wife took time to talk about their experience with the Thoroughbred Daily News this week. Pimental was one of the earlier cases to come before HIWU; his trainee Golovkin tested positive for methamphetamine on May 29, 2023, less than a week after HIWU's Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program was implemented. A barn search on July 28, 2023, resulted in HIWU investigators finding an unlabeled container of the banned substance levothyroxine in Pimental's truck. Initially, Pimental was handed a three-year suspension and $25,000 in fines, a deal the trainer said he agreed to because he couldn't afford a lawyer. Pimental had never had a positive test prior to this case, and told investigators he believed the meth positive to be a result of contamination, and that the levothyroxine was for his stable pony. After TDN published an initial story, Pimental was able to begin working with HISA's/HIWU's Ombudsman, Alan Foreman, at no cost. HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus then wrote in a Letter to the Editor published in TDN that Pimental's case had prompted the development of a "Pro Bono panel of lawyers for Covered Persons who fall below a certain income threshold so that no one is deprived of counsel simply because they cannot afford a lawyer." Ultimately, Pimental was allowed to withdraw his admission of guilt, and the adjudication process began anew. An arbitrator later sanctioned Pimental to a 15-month suspension and $10,000 fine for the levothyroxine possession, and the methamphetamine charge was stayed pending approval of proposed rules that HISA submitted to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in November 2023 regarding lesser penalties for human substances of abuse. HISA CEO, Lisa Lazarus, told TDN: “We recognize that these are real people with real lives, and we don't take these decisions lightly. But I do think [the Pimentals'] case, amongst others, led to some positive steps forward, and obviously [their difficulties were] a consequence of being one of the first cases.” As the end of his suspension neared, Pimental wasn't sure he wanted to return to training. Encouragement from an owner helped him decide to return to the races, though he told TDN he is much more cautious since his return. "You've got to tiptoe around," the trainer said. "You've got to make sure nobody goes in your stalls. You've got to be careful with supplements. You have to be careful who you hire to walk a horse up for a race. I tie all my tongue-ties myself. I don't trust anybody else putting their hand's near a horse's mouth. I sit in front of a horse's stall all day now when he's running." According to Equibase, Pimental has saddled the winners of two races from 27 starters since his return to the training ranks. He is based this summer at Monmouth Park.

Lazarus: John Pimental's HIWU Case 'Led To Some Positive Steps Forward' paulickreport.com Trainer John Pimental, now 70, resumed his career last December after a 15-month suspension from the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU), enforcement arm of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA). The trainer and his wife took time to talk about their experience with the Thoroughbred Daily News this week. Pimental was one of the earlier cases to come before HIWU; his trainee Golovkin tested positive for methamphetamine on May 29, 2023, less than a week after HIWU's Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program was implemented. A barn search on July 28, 2023, resulted in HIWU investigators finding an unlabeled container of the banned substance levothyroxine in Pimental's truck. Initially, Pimental was handed a three-year suspension and $25,000 in fines, a deal the trainer said he agreed to because he couldn't afford a lawyer. Pimental had never had a positive test prior to this case, and told investigators he believed the meth positive to be a result of contamination, and that the levothyroxine was for his stable pony. After TDN published an initial story, Pimental was able to begin working with HISA's/HIWU's Ombudsman, Alan Foreman, at no cost. HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus then wrote in a Letter to the Editor published in TDN that Pimental's case had prompted the development of a "Pro Bono panel of lawyers for Covered Persons who fall below a certain income threshold so that no one is deprived of counsel simply because they cannot afford a lawyer." Ultimately, Pimental was allowed to withdraw his admission of guilt, and the adjudication process began anew. An arbitrator later sanctioned Pimental to a 15-month suspension and $10,000 fine for the levothyroxine possession, and the methamphetamine charge was stayed pending approval of proposed rules that HISA submitted to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in November 2023 regarding lesser penalties for human substances of abuse. HISA CEO, Lisa Lazarus, told TDN: “We recognize that these are real people with real lives, and we don't take these decisions lightly. But I do think [the Pimentals'] case, amongst others, led to some positive steps forward, and obviously [their difficulties were] a consequence of being one of the first cases.” As the end of his suspension neared, Pimental wasn't sure he wanted to return to training. Encouragement from an owner helped him decide to return to the races, though he told TDN he is much more cautious since his return. "You've got to tiptoe around," the trainer said. "You've got to make sure nobody goes in your stalls. You've got to be careful with supplements. You have to be careful who you hire to walk a horse up for a race. I tie all my tongue-ties myself. I don't trust anybody else putting their hand's near a horse's mouth. I sit in front of a horse's stall all day now when he's running." According to Equibase, Pimental has saddled the winners of two races from 27 starters since his return to the training ranks. He is based this summer at Monmouth Park.

Yes one day they are bagging him they next the same people are applauding him.

Chaos as $4 million horse loses mind and kicks out at handler Moments after winning $1 million, chaos has unfolded as a spooked racehorse sent a handler through the rails with a hellacious kick. Sam Morgan - The Sun 2 min read June 22, 2025 - 9:16AM Minutes after winning a fortune, a horse has run wild and kicked out towards a handler. https://bitofayarn.com Chaos hit Royal Ascot when winning horse Lazzat almost drop-kicked a groundsworker in the head after getting loose and going mad on Sunday morning. The Wathnan-owned sprinter just bagged more than $1 million for winning the Group 1 Platinum Jubilee Stakes over six furlongs. The Sun reports. But when jockey James Doyle was about to be interviewed by ITV, the 9-2 winner appeared to get spooked by a cloth being raised in front of him. Like a red rag to a bull, the fired-up four-year-old dumped Doyle to the turf, turned round and then galloped off down the track. The horse was spooked following victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes. Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP. Jockey James Doyle falls off Lazzat. Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP. Reacting to the scary scenes live, ITV Racing pundit Jason Weaver shouted: “The sheet! Oh no, he’s had a howler with the sheet!” While host Ed Chamberlin said: “Lazzat won but that’s a dramatic aftermath (the likes of which) I’ve never seen before at Royal Ascot.” Lazzat sent the handler through the rails. Photo: X. Groundsworkers tried their best to calm the horse as he hit top stride at the Berkshire track. But it came inches from turning incredibly nasty indeed when Lazzat, who was cornered by three men, lashed out with his hind legs at one of them. He just missed his head but the man fell through the running rail like a drunk boxer through the ropes. Two racegoers at Royal Ascot hurled punches in a wild fight at the races. ITV cameras showed Lazzat jogging merrily around on his own, a long, long way from the finish post he had just passed.

Lazzat wins Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, Storm Boy fails www.racenet.com.au Former Australian boom colt Storm Boy again disappointed as Golden Eagle runner-up Lazzat shined bright to prevail in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in the early hours of Sunday morning. Lazzat highlighted his incredible tenacity to lead throughout, leaving his trainer Jerome Reynier dreaming of a clash with the world's best sprinter Ka Ying Rising after his star held off Japanese gun Satono Reve. Laurie Sainsbury - Last 28 Days • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! The bulk of Australian eyes were on Coolmore-owned Storm Boy, which could only manage 10th under the urging of champion rider Ryan Moore. The racing future of the expensive colt is now clouded in uncertainty with the former Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained galloper failing to flatter in two northern hemisphere starts. Now trained by Aidan O'Brien, Storm Boy didn't beat a runner home when last of nine in the Greenlands Stakes at The Curragh last month and was similarly disappointing in his Royal Ascot debut. All honours, however, went to Lazzat, which put on a show during and after the race when the French gelding tossed rider James Doyle and went on a lap of honour around the famed English circuit. • ‘We would love to go to Melbourne': Cup hope wins at Royal Ascot Reynier confirmed his desire to take on the world's best sprinter and current The Everest favourite Ka Ying Rising over the next two months but a clash in Australia's richest sprint seems unlikely. "I'd love to take on Ka Ying Rising," Reynier told Racing Post. "Maybe at the end of the year we can face him in his own town in the Hong Kong Sprint. "The July Cup is coming soon, so we'll bring him back home and probably wait to defend his crown in the Prix Maurice de Gheest. "Then there's the Sprint Cup and then the Champion Sprint back here (in October)." Lazzat's Ascot victory adds to the remarkable depth of form from this year's Golden Eagle (1500m), which has now produced eight subsequent individual Group 1 winners. • J-Mac gets on the board at Royal Ascot Placegetter Tom Kitten (All Star Mile) as well as Stefi Magnetica (Doncaster Mile), Port Lockroy (Railway Stakes), Joliestar (Newmarket Handicap, Kingsford Smith Cup), War Machine (Stradbroke Handicap), Skybird (Black Caviar Lightning) and Ascoli Piceno (Victoria Mile) have all since won majors. Reynier intends to train Lazzat as a pure sprinter from now on. "We knew we had a really good horse and he obviously had to prove it at the highest level," Reynier said. "He did it as a three-year-old but after going to Australia and Hong Kong, I was a bit scared it was going to be tough to find Lazzat the same as he was. "But obviously we have been trying him over a mile to open his options but he is a pure sprinter and he will stick to sprinting distances and straight courses for his future."

OK - so the rules don't have "double standards" the application of them does. So enlighten us all with an example.

With that negative attitude it's not surprising.

Emerging star apprentice Jaylah Kennedy baking up sweet success www.racenet.com.au Rising star Jaylah Kennedy is second in pursuit of the Melbourne apprentice jockey title but certainly atop the popularity stakes for sharing home-baked sweet treats on race day. A decadent batch of "brookies", combined brownie and chocolate chip cookie slice, cut into jockey portion-sized squares, attracted rave reviews last Wednesday at Sandown. Kennedy is lucky to be genetically-blessed to indulge her passion for cooking and baking, an unlikely pastime for most jockeys given the importance of weight management. "It's a little thing I enjoy doing on the side, when I'm not riding light," Kennedy said. "It's cold in winter, so nice to bring something in that can warm peoples' tummies. "I love cooking, I love baking, I just bought a house and it's got a nice kitchen so I'm making use of it. "I'm lucky I'm four foot nine … any taller and if I cooked and bake like I do, I probably wouldn't be a jockey." Jockeys, trainers, race-day officials and stewards polished the brookies last Wednesday. "I told the stewards they can't suspend me if they're going to eat my baking," Kennedy laughed. "I made them bite-sized jockey pieces so everyone could enjoy." Kennedy has six rides at Flemington on Saturday, including the electric Bold Bastille in the last. Https://bitofayarn.com "She's naturally very speedy, I made my way to Werribee the other day to trial her, hoping to keep her race day first-up, and she did everything right," Kennedy said. "She pulled up like a horse ready to go to the races now … first up she could be maybe that little bit vulnerable late but … she'll be there to take a bit of running down." Rising star apprentice jockey Jaylah Kennedy has a passion for cooking and baking. Picture: Getty Images Kennedy has ridden 20 city winners to date this season, one less than clubhouse leader Tom Prebble, a friend and fellow fourth-year apprentice. Prebble has the stronger hand on Saturday with six rides, including favourites Splash Back and Jimmy The Bear. "I've been going to the races thinking anything can happen lately," Kennedy said. "An open book and try not to overthink this. Hopefully it's a good weekend. "It comes down to the support you've got around you, I've been getting a lot of good opportunities with a lot of big stables … it's always good to be able to repay them. "This is my first full season riding in town and I'm happy with how things are going, hopefully we can tick off the metro premiership, it's a really big goal of mine this season. "It's pretty competitive between me and Tom Prebble, he's one of my best mates but at the same I'd be happy to be in first place and him second." Apprentice jockeys rode five of the nine winners last Saturday at Sandown. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

What the rule book has "double standards"? Are you sure you don't mean ambiguity and inconsistency?

Where have I stated that in my opinion the whip rules are being adhered to? Or for that matter that they are being policed correctly? I haven't. However my opinion is that the rules as they are now are difficult to enforce. Which leads to a perception of inconsistency. What I do take issue with is individuals with a bee in their bonnet sitting at home riding their Lazy-Boy and trawling through replays looking for rule breakers. Then to prove their point selectively taking snapshots of pictures out of context and posting them online. Not only do we have below average armchair Jockeys bashing real Jockeys but they are bashing the sport of racing. "Oh but if they didn't do it we wouldn't have any pictures to take". Send the pictures to the Stipes but don't think you are taking the moral high ground by posting them online to feed the anti-racing mob. Sure debate the issues - go hard at it.

Like what for example?

A phrase made popular by a gallivanting writer of fiction? The number of wins and the strike rate are statisitcal facts. Now if I said based on statistics Joe Bloggs is the best trainer ever I'm using those statistics to substantiate a subjective opinion. I assume to make it fair for all the hard done by South Island Trainers, who only have 650 races a year to contest, that any wins they got in the North Island shouldn't be counted.

No it isn't. Complain immediately to the Stipes. Make a complaint now. Ask for an explanation. Don't put the offending Jockeys on your horses. Do they? Google "James Macdonald Jockey whip penalty" and you will see has a very long list of crimes as do ALL the top Jockeys. Also observe how many Jockeys hold their whip in the hand away from the camera and switch hands depending on the racecourse direction.

Even the great Cassidy couldn't get it right! Jim Cassidy rides four winners at Rosehill before copping five-week suspension for whip offences www.foxsports.com.au @Comic Dog Jim Cassidy came crashing back to earth with a five-week suspension for whip offences after dominating the day at Rosehill with four winners on Saturday. The champion jockey brought up his fourth win on the John O'Shea-trained Lightinthenite to move to the top of the Sydney premiership but was later hit with a two-week suspension for his overuse of the whip in winning the event. Cassidy used the whip on 12 occasions before the 100m mark on Lightinthenite which was seven more than permitted, including seven times in consecutive strides. It only got worse from there with the jockey also outed for another three weeks for striking fourth-placed Zara Dancer on 17 occasions prior to the 100-metre mark in the final race of the day which was 12 more than permitted, including 11 times in consecutive strides. "I'm disappointed in myself. I had a blackout," Cassidy told stewards before pleading guilty to four whip offences. The 48-year-old's suspension is set to start immediately and he can return to the saddle on December 18, the day after the Villiers Stakes meeting at Warwick Farm. It was Cassidy's fifth offence since March for using the whip more than five times before the 100m mark and his sixth and seventh offences for using the whip in consecutive strides. Chief steward Ray Murrihy said it was "quite a blatant disregard of the whip rule". "We can't have a situation where someone decides they don't apply," Murrihy said. "I'm at a loss to understand the most senior rider here showing a blatant disregard for the rule." Earlier, Cassidy said he was proud of himself for being able to ride through the pain barrier after struggling with rib cartilage damage that forced him to stand down after one race the previous Saturday. Cassidy opened his day with victory on the John O'Shea-trained Golden Slipper prospect Faustus in the Nova 969 Fitzy & Wippa Handicap (1100m). Colorado Claire gave Cassidy and O'Shea an early double when she maintained her unbeaten record with a third straight win in the Bacardi Handicap (1400m). Cassidy made it three on the Darren Smith-trained Oakfield Beauty before combining again with O'Shea on Lightinthenite in the Jacob's Creek Sparkling Moscato Handicap (1500m). "I'm proud of myself and proud of Vic (wife Vicki) because she has babysitted me all week and helped with icing the injury every night to make sure we were here today."