Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 16 November 2024 – R6 – Matt Cartwright

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 6, Barneswood Farm 52nd New Zealand 1000 Guineas (Group 1), Class A Jockey, Matt Cartwright, admitted a breach of Rule 638(1)(d) in that, as the Rider of LOVE POEM in the race, he “shifted ground outwards passing the 300 metres when not sufficiently clear of KITTY FLASH (Craig Grylls) and also hampering an outside runner, CONNELLO (Tina Comignaghi)”.

Rule 638 provides as follows:

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

       (d)   careless.

EVIDENCE:

Chief Stipendiary Steward, John Oatham, had Stipendiary Steward, Rebecca Haley, show the incident on the four available video replays. Ms Haley showed that the field had run to the outside of the track turning for home. Ms Haley pointed out LOVE POEM, ridden by Mr Cartwright, racing behind the leaders. On its outside was KITTY FLASH (Craig Grylls) and, to the outside of that runner was CONNELLO (Tina Comignaghi). Nearing the 300 metres, Mr Cartwright shifted ground outwards, when not clear, resulting in Mr Grylls having to check his runner. CONNELLO was also hampered as a result.

Mr Cartwright said that his horse had been racing greenly and it had proceeded to lay out. He was not aware how close Mr Grylls was. He had hit his mount once with the whip, before putting his hands back on the reins to try and correct it. His mount had come out once it got “clear air”. Ms Comignaghi had not relieved any pressure, he said.

DECISION:

The breach having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham said that Mr Cartwright has been riding in New Zealand since 8 August 2024 and, in that time, has had 169 rides. He has a clear record. Stewards assessed the breach as being “just below mid-range”, Mr Oatham said. Mr Cartwright had finished 4th in the race, earning $1,375, he said.

Mr Cartwright referred to his very good record in New Zealand. He requested that he be granted a deferment until after 23 November.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee assessed the breach as being a mid-level one, for which the RIB Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide suggests a starting point of a 7-days suspension. An uplift from that starting point is appropriate for the status of the race (Group 1) and the stake payable ($550,000). The Adjudicative Committee fixes that uplift at 2 days.

For the mitigating factors, Mr Cartwright’s good riding record and his admission of the breach, the Adjudicative Committee gives a discount of 1 day from the adjusted starting point of 9 days.

CONCLUSION:

Class A Jockey, Matt Cartwright’s Licence to ride in races is suspended from 24 November 2024 to 5 December 2024, both dates inclusive – 8 National Riding Days.

In addition, Mr Cartwright is fined the sum of $650.