Whangarei RC 7 September 2024 – R2 – Jessica Allen

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 2, the Respondent Apprentice Rider Jessica Allen admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that she allowed her mount MONIQUE TONNERRE to shift in when not clear of ELECTRIC DREAM which was checked near the 1100 metres.

The Respondent acknowledged she understood the Rule and confirmed her admission of the breach. She was supported at the hearing by Class B Trainer Ms M Northcott.

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 Mr M Davidson demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned. He said that approaching the 1100 metre mark, Ms Allen was looking to shift in from a wide position.  He said that in doing so, ELECTRIC DREAM (J Fawcett), who was over racing, had to be steadied off the heels of MONIQUE TONNERRE, after being checked.

Mr Davidson added that MONIQUE TONNERRE was not the required distance clear of ELECTRIC DREAM, when shifting inwards.

Ms Allen said that she agreed with the Stewards’ interpretation of the incident.  Neither she nor Ms Northcott had anything further to add.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward A Dooley produced the Respondent’s riding record, which indicated two previous breaches from 258 race rides over the previous 12 months.  They included:

12 June 2024 – 4 days suspension (low range)

21 January 2024 – 4 days suspension (low range)

Mr Dooley said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low range and that she should be given credit for admitting the breach.

Ms Allen requested a deferment until after racing on 15 September 2024. She had nothing further to add regarding any proposed penalty.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined Ms Allen’s carelessness to be in the low range and adopted a 5 day (suspension) as the starting point.

The available films clearly established that Ms Allen allowed her mount to shift inwards, when not the required distance clear of ELECTRIC DREAM, who was checked.

From the 5-day starting point, the Adjudicative Committee has applied a 1-day discount to reflect Ms Allen’s admission of the breach and her record.

After consideration of the above factors, a 4-day suspension was imposed.

Conclusion:

Ms Allen’s request for a deferment is granted and her Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 4 days, commencing after racing on 15 September 2024, and concluding after racing on 22 September 2024 (4 days inclusive).