Ashburton RC 4 July 2024 – R1 – Lee Callaway

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 1, the Respondent Class A Rider Lee Callaway admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that as the Rider of SINCERE “he permitted his mount to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of BLANCHE which was checked near the 125m.  

The Respondent acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his  admission of 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.

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 Mr Callaway, riding SINCERE racing 5-6 wide approaching the 125m with BLANCHE, ridden by Kylie Williams, racing 4 wide on the inside of Mr Callaway. Mr Oatham stated that SINCERE was laying in over the concluding stages, with the replays showing Mr Callaway using the whip and riding his mount out. He pointed out Mr Callaway shifting in, eventually taking the rightful line of Ms Williams, who had to check. Mr Oatham said that Mr Callaway did straighten his mount briefly, but this was not sufficient to prevent the interference. He added that BLANCHE lost 1.5 to 2 lengths due to having to check and lose momentum, before rallying to finish in 5th place.

In response, the Respondent stated that he thought he was clear of Ms Williams, but concurred that he had made a bad judgement call.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Davidson produced the Respondent Mr Callaway’s riding record, which indicated 2 previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely 6 October 2023 – 6 day suspension (South Canterbury) and 12 May (Wairio) – low range – 4 days.

Stipendiary Steward Mr Davidson said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the mid to low-range and submitted a starting point as per the Penalty Guide, of a  6 day starting point.  He said the aggravating factor was that BLANCHE, when checked, was denied the chance of finishing in a better placing, possibly 4th. He added that Mr Callaway had 270 rides over the previous 12 months.

The Respondent stated that the breach was at a low level. He also said that he did not seek a deferment and requested that any suspension begin as soon as possible.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined the Respondent Mr Callaway’s carelessness, to be in the mid to low range and accordingly, adopted a 6-day suspension as the starting point.

The Respondent’s riding record is treated as a neutral factor, therefore no uplift was warranted. In mitigation, Mr Callaway’s frank admission of the breach warrants a discount, which the Adjudicative Committee set at 1 day.

After consideration of the above factors, a 5-day suspension was calculated. With the need to impose a meaningful penalty and include at least 1 South Island day in the suspension, the penalty is lifted to 6 days, in order to include the meeting at Riccarton on 12 July 2024.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s  Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 6 national days, commencing after racing today, 4 July 2024, up to and including racing on 12 July 2024.