Whangarei RC 1 July 2023 – R6 – Triston Moodley

Evidence:

This charge arises from the running of Race 6, the Waipu Winter Festival 1200m. Stipendiary Steward, Mr Dooley filed an Information pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d) alleging the Rider of LOVE AFFIRMATIONS (T Moodley), “allowed his mount to shift out when not sufficiently clear of BOLSHOI STAR (K Hannan) which had to be checked off its heels approaching the 200 metres”.

Apprentice Rider Mr Moodley acknowledged that he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach. His Employer, Mr D Walker, phoned in and assisted Mr Moodley during the hearing.

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 Dooley demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned; namely LOVE AFFIRMATIONS (T Moodley) and BOLSHOI STAR (K Hannan).

Mr Dooley told the Adjudicative Committee that approaching the 200-metre mark, Mr Moodley allowed his mount to shift out and in doing so, he continued to ride forward without taking corrective action.  He said that at the time of the shift, he was no more than 1 length clear of BOLSHOI STAR.  Consequently, BOLSHOI STAR had to be checked off the heels of LOVE AFFIRMATIONS.

Mr Moodley offered no explanation for the breach. Because Mr Walker was unable to view the race films, he asked whether Mr Moodley had his whip in right or left hand when shifting out and riding forward.  He was advised ‘left hand’.

Decision:

As Mr Moodley admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee found the charge proved.

Submission for Penalty:

Mr Dooley submitted that Mr Moodley’s record is clear.  He said that he has had 57 race rides and is regarded as a promising Apprentice Rider.

Mr Dooley said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the mid-range due to the nature of the check to BOLSHOI STAR.

In terms of penalty, he submitted that a suspension commensurate with a mid-range breach be imposed, with a discount being afforded to Mr Moodley for his admission of the breach and his good record.

Mr Moodley sought a deferment to any proposed suspension until after racing on 8 July 2023. He had nothing further to add in relation to any proposed penalty.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering the submissions and reviewing the race film, the Adjudicative Committee determined Mr Moodley’s carelessness to be mid-range and adopted a 7-day (suspension) as the starting point.

The available films clearly established that Mr Moodley allowed his mount to shift out when less than one length clear of BOLSHOI STAR, who was checked. Mr Moodley made no attempt to straighten his mount when shifting ground.  As a result, he shifted 3 horse widths whilst continuing to ride forward and it is for these reasons, coupled with the interference suffered by BOLSHOI STAR, the breach is assessed as being in the mid-range.

From the 7-day starting point, a one-day reduction is applied for Mr Moodley’s admission of the breach and his good riding record.

After considering the above factors, the Adjudicative Committee deemed that an appropriate suspension be 6 (national) days.

Conclusion:

The Adjudicative Committee granted Mr Moodley a deferment to his suspension. Accordingly, his Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 6 days, commencing after racing on 8 July 2023 and concluding after racing on 20 July 2023.