Taranaki RI 6 November 2024 – R3 – Courtney Barnes

Background:

Following the running of Race 3, the ‘Christmas at the Races Friday 5th December 1400m Maiden’, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d). Details are as follows:

‘permitted her mount ‘Palmarow’ to shift outwards when not sufficiently clear of ‘Kapalua’, which was checked passing the 300 metres’.

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.

The Respondent confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee that she understood the Rule and admitted the breach.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards identified the incident and horses involved.  On entering the straight, PALMAROW was 3-4 horse widths off the fence and under some pressure. Ms Barnes is then seen to allow her mount to drift out into the line of KAPALUA (Ms Lily Sutherland), who was then to her outside, looking to improve. This horse was checked. Ms Barnes did comment that her mount did roll out as it began to weaken and that she was initially unaware that Ms Sutherland was to her outside. She did contend that COTTON ROCA (Mr Kavish Chowdhoory) did contribute to the check, as that horse did move in at the same time.

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 relates to any breach of this particular Rule, within the last twelve months.  There was only 1 breach noted, that being at Cambridge on 26th June 2024, with a low range careless ride resulting in a 3 day suspension. Ms Barnes has had 630 mounts in the twelve month period. Stewards contended that the breach was low to mid-range and referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current NZTR Penalty Guide. Ms Barnes sought deferment of any suspension imposed, to satisfy riding engagements on 16th November 2024.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Adjudicative Committee was satisfied that the breach represented a low-range careless ride. Film identified that the Respondent did allow her mount to move under pressure, when insufficiently clear of the horse to her outside. The Adjudicative Committee agreed with the Respondent’s contention that movement by COTTON ROCA did contribute to the check.  The current NZTR Penalty Guide provides for a starting point of a 5-day suspension in circumstance of a low-range careless ride. This was deemed an appropriate starting point. A 1-day reduction was applied to reflect a very good riding record. Deferment of the suspension was granted.

Conclusion:

Ms Barnes’ Licence to ride in Races is suspended for 4 National Riding Days, from the close of racing on 16th November 2024, up to and including 22nd November 2024.