Chief Stipe

Right that's great - let's do it like everyone else instead of better. At least you admit the rules are poorly written. BTW in NZ and most jurisidictions Jockey's cop the fine or suspension and don't legally challenge anything. Part of the reason we end up with inconsistency and INCA's. Then promote that rather than what you admit is a poorly written rule which as a consequence is hard to enforce. But much more fun to incite the masses is it not?!

How do the words surrounding the word flank in the rules explain it? That's for those that haven't googled the term noscitur a sociios yet. As for Level C Pony Club - well research the area defined as the "flank" - it varies widely and indeed on at least one photo presented by @Thomass and yourself the whip appears (it isn't clear) to have struck the rib cage which by the standard defintion ISN'T the flank. BTW you shouldn't play in the cess pit too often as it makes you sarcastic. Since you have taken on this crusade and want to "educate" everyone perhaps you could draw a circle on a horse and show the "flank". The reality is you would rather there was a circle around the entire horse.

Great you have something else to whine about.

You assume that "acclimatisimg" makes a difference. There is no definitive evidence to say it does. To quote from the report: Anecdotal data indicates that 2 -3 runs on the synthetic surface are sufficient for the horse to acclimatise (adapt their gait) to the surface. Because horses naturally run faster on the synthetic surface with longer strides (~20cm longer), This statement in the report refers to "anecdotal" information i.e. feedback from trainers presumably. Horses stride longer on a Good 3 track should we demand that they "acclimatise" to those as well? I doubt any decent trainer would race a horse on Synthetic without having galloped them on it in training. Demanding a horse trials on Synthetic BEFORE racing would be overkill and as @curious points out increased costs to owners for arguably no gain. Regardless where are you going to trial when they keep cancelling them?

BTW an amendment to a rule is just a mechanism by which rules are either added or subtracted from a larger set of rules or changed. Still rules and rules that are easily enforced have no ambiguity including clear definitions. Where is the definition of "flank"? Surely it should be a clearly defined part of a horse anatomy. The NZTR rules attached - note including amendments!! RULES OF RACING Gender Revision - 17 June 2025.pdf

The main one that you keep referring to. BTW at least I can still find my arse and elbow.

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. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■