Manawatu RC 10 June 2023 – R7 – Ciel Butler

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 7, the Respondent, Class B Rider Ms C Butler, admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that she allowed her mount TOBKAY, to shift inwards when not fully clear of HUNGRY, which was dictated inwards onto TWEEDLEDEE, and that runner dictated inwards onto BENEFACTOR, which was crowded and checked near the 1400 metres.

Ms Butler acknowledged she understood the Rule and confirmed her admission of the breach. Apprentice Mentor Ms K Clapperton  was present to assist.

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

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

He said Ms Butler had started from a wide draw and was attempting to gain a position closer to the rail.  With Mr Chung to her immediate inside, she  moved inwards when not sufficiently clear of that runner, forcing him in further onto TWEEDLEDEE (C Carmine). Inside of Mr Carmine was Lily Sutherland, riding BENEFACTOR, who lost 2 lengths as a result of the interference. Ms Grylls (DONT ASK), was on the rail and she was forced to check. In behind Ms Sutherland and Ms Grylls, was Ms Hercock (HOOTER), who was forced to take evasive action as a result of the two horses in front being crowded.

In response, Ms Butler said as she was coming forward, she was aware of Mr Chung to her inside but thought she was clear of him. She did not realise that the runners further in were kicking up.

Decision:

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

Submission for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Goodwin produced Ms Butler’s riding record, which indicated only 1 breach under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely 5 days suspension incured on 28th October 2022.

Ms Butler has had 137 mounts in the past 12 months.

Mr Goodwin said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the mid range. Ms Butler attempted to correct her mount and she doesn’t bother the Stewards much.

Ms Butler advised of riding engagements through until Saturday June 17th and sought a deferment to any proposed suspension.

In terms of any proposed penalty, Ms Butler said she believed the breach was towards the low end.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined Ms Butler’s carelessness to sit just below midrange and adopted a 6-day suspension as the starting point. This conforms with the NZTR Penalty Guide (as of February 2023).

The available films showed that Ms Butler’s inward movement was not acute, and as soon as she realised that she was not clear of Mr Chung, she corrected her mount immediately. Unfortunately that small mistake set up a domino effect to runners on her inside, ultimately affecting 5 horses to varying degrees.

Ms Butler averages 5-6 rides each race day. A 1 day reduction in penalty reflects her good riding record and admission of the breach.

After consideration of the above factors, a 5-day suspension was imposed.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted and her Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 5 days, commencing after racing on Saturday June 17th and concluding after racing on Sunday June 25th.