Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 2 September 2023 – R3 – Kavish Chowdhoory

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Following the running of Race 3, an Information was filed by Stipendiary Steward, Mr Adrian Dooley, against Mr Kavish Chowdhoory, alleging careless riding, in that he permitted his mount WARNING SIGNAL to shift inwards shortly after the start when not sufficiently clear of CLIODHNA MAEVE which was checked with MAIRE AN LASA also being hampered as a result.

Rule 638(1)(d) reads as follows;

“(1) A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be:

    (d) careless”

Mr Chowdhoory had indicated on the Information that this breach of the Rules was admitted, which he confirmed at the hearing. Mr Chowdhoory also acknowledged that he understood the charge and the Rule it was brought under.

SUBMISSIONS:

Mr Dooley, with the assistance of Mr Oatham, used the race films to show the start of the race. Inside of Mr Chowdhoory’s mount was CLIODHNA MAEVE, ridden by Ms Comignaghi and inside Ms Comignaghi’s mount was MAIRE AN LASA, ridden by Ms Jonker. Mr Oatham showed that out of the barriers, both Mr Chowdhoory’s mount and Ms Jonker’s mount had shifted ground, crowding Ms Comignaghi’s mount. Mr Oatham, however, said the concern for the Stewards came after that, when Mr Chowdhoory continued to let his mount shift inwards, which caused Ms Comignaghi to take a check and in turn, Ms Jonker’s mount was hampered and forced to cross the heels of another runner. Mr Oatham said Mr Chowdhoory was at best, a bare length from Ms Comignaghi’s mount.

Mr Chowdhoory agreed it was clear he did not leave enough room but said that there were green horses everywhere and his horse was quite reactive.

DECISION:

As Mr Chowdhoory had admitted the breach, the charge was found to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Dooley said Mr Chowdhoory had two relevant prior breaches of this Rule.

• 6 July 2023 at Ashburton where 6 days was imposed
• 9 November 2022 at Riccarton where 7 days in a Group 3 Race

It was submitted this was a mid-range breach and the Stewards acknowledged that the horses were relatively inexperienced and green.

Mr Chowdhoory sought a deferment of penalty until after Oamaru on 8 September 2023.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee has taken into account the fact the horses were relatively green and accepted that this has, in some way, contributed to the incident. Therefore, the breach is considered to be in the mid to low range.

Accordingly, the starting point adopted is a 6 day suspension. With regard to Mr Chowdhoory’s record, the Adjudicative Committee considers it is a good record considering he is a busy Rider. A discount of 1 day is appropriate to reflect his frank admission of the breach and his good record.

A 5 day suspension is the appropriate penalty in this case.

Mr Chowdhoory’s deferment is granted.

CONCLUSION:

Mr Chowdhoory is suspended for 5 days from the end of racing on 8 September 2023, up to and including 15 September 2023.