Matamata RC 8 May 2024 – R10 – Maria Sanson

Following the running of Race 10, the Respondent, Ms M Sanson (Apprentice Jockey) admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d). The Information alleged that the Respondent:

“Permitted her mount PIRATES ‘N’ GOLD to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of LITTLE MISS WONDER, which was checked, losing ground near the 850 metre point.”

The Respondent confirmed that she understood the Rule and admitted the breach.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides: A rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.

Evidence

Using available film, Mr B Jones demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

At the 850 metre point, Ms Sanson’s horse had been racing very strongly and had shifted inwards. Ms Sanson corrected it and took a position following Mr Parmar’s horse WHY NOT ME. Ms Spratt on LITTLE MISS WONDER had moved up on the inside of Ms Sanson and had established herself in that position. Mr Jones illustrated that when Ms Sanson took hold of her horse because it was continuing to race strongly, it shifted in on LITTLE MISS WONDER. The side on film showed she was barely a length clear and LITTLE MISS WONDER was checked and lost ground.

Mr Harris confirmed that PIRATES ‘N’ GOLD’S head had turned in when Ms Sanson restrained it. As an Apprentice, she was still learning to avoid that inwards movement when dealing with a horse that was racing strongly.

Ms Sanson, while admitting the breach, said her horse was racing strongly, which contributed to the incident.

Decision

As Ms Sanson admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee found the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty

The Stewards produced the Respondent’s record; she has had 141 rides in the past 12 months and one prior breach under this Rule in the past 12 months, 20 September 2023. Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low to mid-range, with a starting point of 6 days. In view of her record and admitting the charge, a suspension of 5 days was recommended.

Ms Sanson did not seek a deferment. It was noted that she had been engaged for one ride at New Plymouth on Saturday 11 May, however, it was able to be confirmed that the horse concerned was scratched, so Ms Sanson could commence her suspension immediately.

Reasons for Penalty

After consideration of the incident and all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined Ms Sanson’s carelessness to be low to mid-range. Although her mount was racing strongly, it was her responsibility when easing, to ensure the horse did not shift in and check another runner.

The starting point for a low to mid-range breach is 6 days. There were no aggravating factors, whilst mitigating factors were her ready admission and good record. A one-day reduction in penalty was deemed appropriate.

Conclusion

Ms Sanson’s Licence to ride is suspended for 5 National Riding Days, commencing after the close of racing on 8 May 2024, up to and including racing on Wednesday 15 May 2024.