Taranaki RI 23 July 2024 – R6 – Liam Kauri

Background:

Following the running of Race 6, the ‘Seaton Park 1400’ an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d). Details are as follows:

‘in that he angled his mount (Just a Tipple) outwards near the 600m when not clear of La Ruche (L Allpress) which was checked’.

Mr Kauri confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee that he understood the Rule and admitted the breach. This was endorsed by Ms Clapperton.

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.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards identified the incident. Approaching the 600 metre mark, the body of the field, given track conditions, were racing away from the fence. JUST A TIPPLE was some 4-5 horse widths from the fence, with a horse to his inside and travelling behind MOMOSA (Ms K Hercock). To his outside and hind quarters, were LA RUCHE (Mrs L Allpress) and WHO’S COMPLAININ (Mr J Chung).  At this point, both Allpress and Chung improved forward, to sit outside JUST A TIPPLE. The Respondent is then seen to angle his mount out. In doing so, he is not sufficiently clear of LA RUCHE. Mrs Allpress is forced to ease her mount, thus losing ground. When asked, Mr Kauri commented that his mount was travelling very well and he was concerned for his safety as a result of a clipping of heels, this necessitating the need to move. Ms Clapperton added that in her view, the heavy nature of the track resulted in LA RUCHE slowing quicker than it might have otherwise, thus making the interference appear more severe.

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 related to any breach of Rule 638(1)(d) within the 12 month reference period. Two were noted namely:

Wanganui JC    22/2/2024 – low range – 4 days suspension

Feilding JC       30/5/2024 – low range – 5 days suspension

Mr Kauri has had 64 rides within the last twelve months, noting that he spent a period away from riding as a result of injury. Stewards contended that the breach sat at low range, adding that in their view, his actions were primarily as a result of inexperience. This comment remained consistent with the views of Ms Clapperton. The Adjudicative Committee was referred to the current NZTR Penalty Guide. Mr Kauri asked that where a suspension was imposed, same be deferred until after 27th July 2024.

Reasons for Penalty:

The incident was identified by film to the satisfaction of the Adjudicative Committee. By moving out when he did, the Respondent did adversely affect the chances of LA RUCHE who, to that point, was moving forward into the Race. Mrs Allpress was forced to take hold in circumstance where she was entitled to be positioned where she was. As a result, her mount lost momentum and ground.  The Adjudicative Committee concurs with the Stewards, that the ride represents low range carelessness. The NZTR Penalty Guide provides for a 5 day suspension as a starting point in such circumstance. This was adopted. Record was deemed as neutral. As such, a 5 day suspension of Licence was imposed. The Respondent’s request for deferment was granted.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 5 National Riding Days. Deferment is granted, with suspension to take effect from the close of racing on 27th July 2024, up to and including, 7th August 2024.