Taranaki RI 6 June 2024 – R6 – Niranjan Parmar

Background:

Following the running of Race 6, the ‘The Bold One @ Grangewilliam Stud’ , an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d). Details are as follows:

‘permitted his mount ‘Popthebubbles’ to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear dictating ‘Ravenna Rose’ inwards crowding ‘McLaren’ which was checked near the 1600 metres’.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides:

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

(d) careless.

The Respondent (assisted by Apprentice Jockey Mentor) confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee that he understood the Rule and admitted the breach.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards identified the incident and horses involved. POPTHEBUBBLES was drawn an outside gate in the race. Upon leaving the gates and heading to the first winning post on the first occasion, the Respondent looked to cross. In doing so, he was insufficiently clear of RAVENNA ROSE (Ms Ciel Butler). This horse was forced inwards, with this movement in turn, crowding MCLAREN (Mr Ace Lawson-Carroll), who was checked, losing ground. Mr Parmar agreed with the Stewards’ interpretation and confirmed that his action was the cause of the incident.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stewards outlined the Respondent’s record as it relates to any breach of this particular Rule within the last twelve months. There were four noted, namely:

Marton JC       23/9/2023    8 day suspension – mid range

Waikato TR     31/1/2024    3½  week suspension – fall

Otago RC        3/2/2024      7 day suspension plus $225 fine – mid range

Auckland TR   6/4/2024       6 day suspension – low to mid range

Stewards contended that the breach was low to mid range and referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current NZTR Penalty Guide. Mr Parmar did not offer comment beyond seeking deferment of any suspension to satisfy riding commitments on 15 June 2024.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Adjudicative Committee was satisfied that the breach represented a low to mid range careless ride. Film identified that the Respondent was was not sufficiently clear when looking to cross, with his actions affecting the chances of the two horses to his inside. The current NZTR Penalty Guide provides for a starting point of a 5 day suspension – low range careless and a 7 day suspension – mid range careless. In setting penalty, the Adjudicative Committee remained cognisant that the Respondent’s record is at best, neutral, whilst acknowledging Mr Parmar is a busy Rider, having had 412 rides  this season. Recognising ready admission, a 6 day suspension was deemed an appropriate penalty. Deferment of the suspension was granted.

Conclusion:

Mr Parmar’s Licence to ride in Races is suspended for 6 National Riding days, from the close of racing on 15 June 2024, up to and including, 26 June 2024.