Wellington RC 18 March 2023 – R2 – Craig Grylls

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 2, the Respondent Class A Rider, Mr C Grylls admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that he permitted his mount BANANARAHMA to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of BOURBON FALLS which was forced inwards onto SCRIPT which was checked near the 1200 metres.

Mr Grylls acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach.

Rule 638(1) (d) provides: A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Judicial Committee considers to be careless.

Using the available race films Stipendiary Steward, Mr N Goodwin demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

He said shortly after the start Mr Grylls looked to his inside as he sought to come across towards the rail. Initially there was room for him to do so but Mr Riddell who was racing behind and to his inside “kicked up” quickly. As a result, Mr Grylls ended up only 1 length clear of Mr Riddell forcing him inwards onto SCRIPT who was closest to the rail and had to check.

In response, Mr Grylls explained that Mr Riddell had been slow away. Mr Grylls looked across to his inside, thought he was clear and proceeded to move in but was caught unawares when Mr Riddell kicked up quickly to his inside. Mr Riddell did not call to him but once Mr Grylls realised there was a problem he relieved the pressure immediately.

Decision:

As the Respondent admitted the breach the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved

Submission for Penalty:

Chief Stipendiary Steward, Mr Oatham produced Mr Grylls’ riding record which indicated one previous breach under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely 30^th March 2022.

Mr Grylls has had 835 mounts in the past 12 months.

Mr Oatham said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be below mid-range.

Mr Grylls told the Committee the incident was a simple lapse of judgement on his behalf. He advised of riding engagements through until Wednesday March 22^nd at Pukekohe and sought a deferment to any proposed suspension.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions the Adjudicative Committee determined Mr Grylls’ carelessness to be in the low range. When he committed to coming across (soon after the start) he was 1½ lengths clear of other runners but this was reduced to one length when Mr Riddell kicked up quickly to his inside. He immediately responded to the tightening by straightening his mount, but it was slightly too late to prevent the interference behind him.

The Adjudicative Committee adopted a starting point of a 5 day suspension. This conforms with the NZTR Penalty Guide (as of 10 February 2023).

Mr Grylls has an outstanding record regarding the careless riding Rule with only one charge last year (about to drop off the 12-month reset period) over 835 rides.

After consideration of the above factors a 4-day suspension was considered appropriate.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted and his Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 4 days commencing after racing on Wednesday March 22nd and concluding after racing on Wednesday March 29^th.