South Canterbury RC 28 December 2024 – R5 – Akshay Balloo

ID: RIB49951

Respondent(s):
Akshay Balloo - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr Mark Davidson - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Dave Anderson

Persons Present:
Mr Davidson and Mr Balloo

Information Number:
A20539

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Careless Riding shifting ground when not clear

Rule(s):
638(1)(d) - Riding/driving infringement

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
GRAND CRU

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
28/12/2024

Race Club:
South Canterbury Racing Club

Race Location:
Phar Lap Raceway - State Highway 1, Washdyke, Timaru,

Race Number:
R5

Hearing Date:
28/12/2024

Hearing Location:
Phar Lap Raceway

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Akshay Balloo is suspended for 5 days

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 5, Stipendiary Steward Mr Mark Davidson presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d) by Class A Rider Mr Akshay Balloo.

Mr Balloo stated he understood the Charge, was conversant with the Rule and confirmed he admitted the breach.

Mr Davidson identified Mr Balloo (GRAND CRU) leading the field at approximately 75m from the finish. Mr Davidson demonstrated on the film, Mr Balloo allowing his mount to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear, crowding ZOOM (L Allpress), who had to be steadied. Mr Davidson said ZOOM appeared to have run its race at the time of interference.

Mr Balloo said he had ridden hands and heels to this point and when he used the whip, his horse had shifted in.

DECISION:

The Respondent having admitted the breach, the charge was deemed to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Davidson said Mr Balloo had 2 previous breaches of the Rule within the last 12 months.

September 2024 – 5 days for a low–range breach.

November 2024 – 8 days in a group race.

Mr Davidson considered Mr Balloo’s record to be neutral. He said today’s breach was low range.

Mr Balloo made no submissions on Penalty.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines provide a 5-day suspension for a low-range breach of this Rule.

The Adjudicative Committee can find no factors to depart from the Guidelines on this occasion and find a 5-day suspension to be appropriate in the circumstances of this case.

CONCLUSION:

Class A Jockey Mr Akshay Balloo’s Licence to ride in races is suspended from the conclusion of racing on Saturday 30 December 2024, up to and including racing on 5 January 2025.

Decision Date: 28/12/2024

Publish Date: 30/12/2024