Ashburton RC 9 November 2023 – R4 – Danika Wilson

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 4, the Respondent Class B Rider Danika Wilson admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that as the Rider of BELAFONTE “she allowed her mount to shift inwards shortly after the start when not sufficiently clear of MOONSHINE MAGGIE which was checked”. 

The Respondent acknowledged she understood the Rule and confirmed her  admission of the breach.

Miss Wilson was assisted at the hearing by NZTR Apprentice Mentor, Jason Laking.

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 Mark Davidson, with the assistance of Chief Stipendiary Steward, John Oatham, demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned. Mr Oatham pointed out Miss Wilson, riding BELAFONTE drawn the outside stall 13 at the barrier with MOONSHINE MAGGIE, ridden by Brandon May, drawn 11 at the barrier as the race began. The replays showed Miss Wilson leave the barrier stall and angle inwards into the rightful line MOONSHINE MAGGIE, when not sufficiently clear, who had to check.

In response, the Respondent, with the assistance of Mr Laking, stated that she had misjudged the movement  and should have keep out for a few more strides before shifting in.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Davidson stated that Miss Wilson had only been race riding a few months and to date, had ridden on 36 occasions.  He said her record was clear in regard to any breaches of the Rules.

Stipendiary Steward Mr Davidson said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low range and submitted a starting point as per the Penalty Guide of a 5 day suspension.

In terms of any proposed penalty, the Respondent elected to make no submissions apart from requesting a deferment until after racing at Riccarton on 18 November 2023.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined the Respondent’s carelessness to be in the low range and accordingly, adopted a 5-day suspension as the starting point. This conforms with the NZTR Penalty Guide.

There were no aggravating factors to consider, therefore no uplift in penalty warranted. In mitigation, Miss Wilson’s admission of the breach and her clear record, warrants a combined discount which the Adjudicative Committee sets at 1 day.

After consideration of the above factors, a 4-day suspension was imposed.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment until after racing on 18 November 2023 at Riccarton is granted and her Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 4 national days, commencing after racing on 18 November 2023 and concluding after racing on 24 November 2023.