Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 14 September 2024 – R7 – Opie Bosson

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 7, the New Zealand Bloodstock Canterbury Belle Stakes (Listed Race), Respondent Class A Rider Opie Bosson admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that as the Rider of THE VICTRESS “he angled his mount to outwards passing the 1000m causing DIABLO BLANCO to be checked.”  

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, Chief Stipendiary Steward John Oatham, with the assistance of Stipendiary Steward Mark Davidson, demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned. Mr Davidson pointed out Mr Bosson, riding THE VICTRESS, racing off the rail approaching the 1000m with DIABLO BLANCO, ridden by Ashvin Goindasamy, racing behind and on the outside of Mr Bosson. The replays showed Mr Bosson looking to shift out in front of Mr Goindasamy and then when doing so, was not clear of DIABLO BLANCO, who had to take evasive action and check. Mr Davidson showed on the side on view of the incident, that Mr Bosson was only 1 1/4 lengths clear of Mr Goindasamy, when shifting into his line.

In response, the Respondent stated that he was looking to shift wider on the track for better going and had misjudged his movement.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr Oatham produced the Respondent Mr Bosson’s riding record, which indicated 4 previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely

21 November 2023 – Rotorua – 6 day suspension (mid range)

19 December 2023 – Wellington – 5 day suspension (low to mid range)

6 April 2024 – Sydney Australia – 10 Calendar Days (approx. 5-6 NZ National Days)

10 April 2024 – Auckland – 5 day suspension (low to mid range)

Mr Oatham submitted that Mr Bosson’s record be considered as a neutral factor.

He said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low to mid-range and submitted a starting point as per the Penalty Guide of a 6 day starting point. He added that Mr Bosson had 315 rides over the previous 12 months in New Zealand, plus rides in Australia.

Mr Oatham stated that the aggravating factor was the status of the race, being a Listed Race with a stake of $80,000.

The Respondent advised of riding engagements through until 15 September 2024 at Te Rapa and sought a deferment to any proposed suspension.

In terms of any proposed penalty, the Respondent elected to make no submissions.

Reasons for Penalty:

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

The Respondent’s riding record is treated as a neutral factor, due to the 5 months since his last breach. The status of the race is an aggravating factor and a 1-day uplift was applied to the 6-day starting point. In mitigation, Mr Bosson’s admission of the breach warrants a discount, which the Adjudicative Committee set at 1 day.

After consideration of the above factors, a 6-day suspension was imposed.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted until after racing on 15 September 2024 and his Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 6 National Days, commencing after racing on 15 September 2024 and concluding after racing on 27 September 2024.