Kumara RC 11 January 2025 – R10 – Corey Campbell

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 10, the Respondent Class A Rider Corey Campbell admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that as the Rider of SACRED DIOR “he allowed his mount to shift ground inwards when not clear crowding and checking SCHEDAR (R Mudhoo) and CARIGNAN( A Comignaghi) passing the 1400 metres”. 

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, Stipendiary Steward Mark Davidson, with the assistance of Stipendiary Steward Rebecca Haley, demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned. Ms Haley pointed out Mr Campbell, riding SACRED DIOR racing 3 wide approaching the 1400m with SCHEDAR, ridden by Rohan Mudhoo, racing 2 wide on the inside of Mr Campbell with CARIGNAN, ridden by Tina Comignaghi, positioned on the rail. The replays showed Mr Campbell shifted in when not clear of SCHEDAR, who was crowded and forced in onto CARIGNAN near the 1400 metres. Mr Davidson stated that Mr Campbell was barely a length in front of  Mr Mudhoo, who bore the majority of the interference.

In response, the Respondent stated that he thought he was clear of the inside runners and had misjudged his movement in, when obviously not clear.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Davidson produced Mr Campbell’s riding record, which indicated 2 previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely: 13 January 2024 – Waikouaiti (4 day suspension) and 20 April 2024 – Otago (4 day suspension).

Stipendiary Steward Mr Davidson 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 Campbell had 276 rides over the previous 12 months.

Mr Davidson stated that due to the 8-9 months since Mr Campbell’s latest penalty, his record could be treated as good.

In terms of any proposed penalty, the Respondent elected to make no submissions, apart from seeking a deferment until after racing at Wingatui on 18 January 2025.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined the Respondent Mr Campbell’s carelessness to be in the low to mid range and accordingly, adopted a 6-day suspension as the starting point. This conforms with the NZTR Penalty Guide.

There are no aggravating factors to consider, therefore no uplift was warranted.

In mitigation, Mr Campbell’s frank admission of the breach and his good record, warrants a combined discount, which is set at 1 day.

After consideration of the above factors, a 5-day suspension was imposed.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted until after racing on 18 January 2025 at Wingatui and his Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 5 National Days, commencing after racing on 18 January 2025 and concluding after racing on 25 January 2025.