Waikato TR 12 June 2024 – R1 – Maria Sanson

Following the running of Race 1, 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 PERUGIA to shift outwards when not sufficiently clear of HOLY ORANGE, which was checked, losing ground near the 250 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 G Stewart demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

Near the 250 metre point, Ms Sanson’s horse shifted outwards when insufficiently clear of HOLY ORANGE.  The side on film showed she was only three quarters of a length in front and HOLY ORANGE was checked and lost ground.

Ms Sanson, while admitting the breach, said in mitigation that her horse had stepped out, which caused the incident and it was not a deliberate move on her part. Mr Harris supporting Ms Sanson, agreed that it was not a deliberate move on Ms Sanson’s part, it was more the horse had stepped or drifted out and Ms Sanson had misjudged her line.

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 150 rides in the past 12 months and two prior low to mid breaches under this Rule, 20 September 2023, and 8 May 2024. Both charges incurring a 5 day suspension. Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low to mid-range, with a starting point of 6 days, and her record as being neutral.

Ms Sanson and Mr Harris argued in mitigation, that her three breaches of the Rule were the only breaches Ms Sanson had had in her whole career. Mr Harris noted, Ms Sanson as an Apprentice, was still learning, but was working hard, attending all Apprentice Training sessions.

Ms Sanson did seek a deferment until after racing on 22 June, to meet upcoming riding engagements. Her request for a deferment was granted.

Reasons for Penalty

After consideration of the incident and all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined Ms Sanson’s carelessness to be in the low range. It was not a deliberate move by Ms Sanson, the horse drifted out and she misjudged the situation and did not take corrective action.

The starting point for a low range breach is 5 days. There were no aggravating factors, and her record, this being her third charge in 12 months, was considered neutral. A 5 day suspension is therefore applied.

Conclusion

Ms Sanson’s Licence to ride is suspended for 5 National Riding Days, commencing after the close of racing on 22 June 2024, up to and including racing on Saturday 29 June 2024 (23/6 to 29/6 inclusive).