Taranaki RI 24 July 2021 – R 6 – Charlotte O’Beirne

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

An Information was lodged stating that C O’Beirne, CHEEKY AZ allowed her mount to shift in near the 800 metres when not clear of DUBAI”S MOKO which was hampered.

EVIDENCE:

Mr Goodwin used the films to show Ms O’Beirne leading the field. To her inside but slightly further back were Christopher Dell (DUBAI’S MOKO) and  Mr Parkes (DAME VERA) up against the running rail. Ms O’Beirne moved gradually over from her position of 2-off the fence causing Mr Parkes’ mount to make contact with the hind quarters of DUBAI’S MOKO which was established in the gap between the 2 horses. Mr Dell had to take evasive action by taking a hold of his mount. Mr Goodwin said a contributing factor was the errant nature of Mr Parkes’ mount which  overreacted when it made contact with Mr Dell’s horse.

Ms O’Beirne conceded that she had moved over but said it was a very slight movement inwards. Mr Parkes’ horse was racing very greenly on the fence and this contributed to Mr Dell getting squeezed between the 2 of them.

DECISION:

As Ms O’Beirne admitted the breach, it was deemed proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Williamson described Ms O’Beirne’s carelessness as low range and said she had a clear record. He said it was obvious that the runner on the fence had also contributed to the interference. Mr Williamson said that fines were a much harsher penalty for an Apprentice than for a Senior Rider as they only earn half as much.

Ms O’Beirne said she considered the incident to be very minor and asked the Adjudicators to consider her clean record over a couple of years. She advised of riding commitments through until next Saturday.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

The adjudicating Committee considered all submissions and revisited the film evidence. Ms O’Beirne’s inward movement was subtle and if Mr Parkes’ mount had not been so green the interference to Mr Dell’s mount would have been minimal. We placed her degree of careless at the very low end.

AGGRAVATING FACTORS:

There were no aggravating factors.

MITIGATING FACTORS:

Mr O’Beirne has a clear record, she admitted the breach and much of the interference could be attributed to another horse and Rider. We have allowed a generous two-day discount and have not applied any monetary penalty to reflect our view of the incident.

CONCLUSIONS:

Accordingly Ms O’Beirne is suspended from the close of racing on Saturday July 31st up to and including racing on Wednesday August 4th (2 days).