Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 15 June 2023 – R3 – Joe Kamaruddin

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 3, the Respondent Class B Rider, Joe Kamaruddin admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that as the Rider of COCKAHOOP, he permitted his mount to shift inwards when not clear of SHARPIE, which clipped a heel shortly after the start. 

The Respondent acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach. NZTR Apprentice Mentor David Walsh 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 Veronica Algar, with the assistance of Chief Stipendiary Steward Nigel McIntyre, demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

Mr McIntyre said that shortly after the start, Mr Kamaruddin has shifted inwards when looking for cover and in doing so, was not clear of SHARPIE, who clipped a heel and blundered briefly. He added that Mr Kamaruddin had drawn the widest in the 7 horse field and was crossing over to find cover, when the incident occurred. Ms Algar stated that Mr Kamaruddin did take corrective action to straighten his mount when he realised SHARPIE was on his inside, but it was too late by that time.

In response, Mr Walsh stated that the late scratching in the race caused a gap in the field at the jump, and Mr Kamaruddin’s instructions were to find cover as was the Rider of SHARPIE, Mr Chowdhorry, which contributed to the incident.

Decision:

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

Submission for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Ms Algar produced the Respondent’s riding record which indicated two previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely 30 September 2022 at Waikato – 5 days and Whanganui 23 February – 5 days.

The Respondent, she said, has had 580 mounts in the past 12 months, with 228 since his last offence.

Stipendiary Steward Ms Algar said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low-range.

The Respondent advised of riding engagements through until 24 June 2023 at Riccarton, and sought a deferment to any proposed suspension.

In terms of any proposed penalty, Mr Walsh on behalf of Mr Kamaruddin, submitted that his record was a good one considering the number of rides he has had in the last 12 months, as well the number of rides since his last breach.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee agreed with the Stewards and determined the Respondent’s  carelessness to be in the low range, adopting a 5 day suspension as the starting point.

The Respondent’s riding record is treated as a neutral factor due to the number of rides since his last offence – 228. Mr Kamaruddin’s frank admission of the breach warranted a discount which was set at 1 day.

Accordingly, a 4 day suspension is imposed.

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 24 June 2023 and concluding after racing on 2 July 2023.

Of note:  The meeting at Woodville on  25 June was not considered as part of the penalty as it is an Amateur and High-Weight Riders only Raceday.