Riccarton Park – North Canterbury JC 28 September 2024 – R6 – Wiremu Pinn

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 6, Thank You Gordon Fulton Rating 75, Class A Rider, Wiremu Pinn, admitted a charge of careless riding in that, as the Rider of EL VIENTO in the race, he shifted ground outwards passing the 200 metres, when not sufficiently clear of RETAIL THERAPY (Tina Comignaghi), which was checked.

Rule 638(1) provides:

(d)  A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be:

       (d)  careless

EVIDENCE:

Stipendiary Steward, Mark Davidson, had Steward, Rebecca Haley, show video replays of the incident with approximately 200 metres to run. Ms Haley pointed out EL VIENTO, ridden by Mr Pinn, improving on the rail to behind the leader, SEVEN TWENTY (Leah Hemi). She then showed Mr Pinn shift his mount out across the heels of the leader, where there was insufficient room and, on coming out, made contact with RETAIL THERAPY (Tina Comignaghi), checking that runner.

Mr Pinn said that he had been sitting quietly and not looking for a run, until the leader had stopped “quite quick”. He had got on its heels and his mount had overreacted quite badly. He had no choice but to come out, he said. He admitted that he had caused interference to RETAIL THERAPY.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Davidson said that Mr Pinn has three careless riding breaches on his record:

24 January 2024 at Matamata – low-level, suspended 5 days;

24 January 2024 at Matamata – mid-level, suspended 7 days; and

7 July 2024 at Tauranga – causing fall, suspended 4 weeks.

This breach was above mid-range, Mr Davidson submitted. The favourite for the race had been knocked out of the race. He agreed with Mr Pinn that his mount had overreacted when it came out, but it was the view of Stewards that he was not entitled to come out. Mr Pinn went on to win the race, Mr Davidson said.

Mr Pinn has a good record and has admitted the breach. He has had 258 rides since returning from Australia (in January of this year). He is a well sought-after Rider, Mr Davidson said.

Mr Pinn told the Adjudicative Committee that he has a ride at Randwick, in Sydney, on 5 October next and he sought a deferment of suspension until after that date.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee agrees that the breach, on this occasion, is above mid-range. The starting point for a mid-range breach under the RIB Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide (February 2023) is a 7-day suspension. An appropriate starting point is, therefore, a suspension of 8 days. Mr Pinn is entitled to a discount from that starting point for his record, a good one, and his admission of the breach. The Adjudicative Committee fixes the appropriate discount for those factors at 1 day.

CONCLUSION:

Mr Pinn’s application for a deferment of suspension is granted. His Licence to ride in races is suspended from after the close of racing on 5 October 2024, up to and including 18 October 2024 – 7 national riding days.