Waikato TR 23 July 2025 – R4 – Sam McNab

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 4, the Respondent Apprentice Rider Mr Sam McNab, assisted by his Employer, Trainer Mr Tony Pike, admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d). The Information alleged that as the Rider of JURISPRUDENCE, he permitted his mount to shift out when sufficiently not clear of BONIFLEUR (J Doyle), who was checked near the 250 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, Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr B Jones demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

Mr Jones said that as the field rounded the home turn into the straight, BONIFLEUR was racing on the outer of JURISPRUDENCE, who was held up behind BOXMOSS.  Mr McNab shifted his mount outwards in search of a clear run.  Mr Jones said that approaching the 250-metre mark, Mr McNab continued to shift outward into the running line of BONIFLEUR who was contacted, checked and placed into restricted racing room.  In turn, BONIFLEUR contacted CHEAP SAV, who was also unbalanced.

Mr Jones said that at no point, was JURISPRUDENCE the required distance clear of BONIFLEUR and at the time of the check, was barely a neck in front of that runner.

In response, on behalf of Mr McNab, Mr Pike said JURISPRUDENCE was travelling well and Mr McNab looked to come off the heels of the horse in front of him.  He said his mount had been racing right-handed in Sydney and this was his first run racing left-handed.  He pointed out that JURISPRUDENCE made the final bend into the straight awkwardly and Mr McNab tried to straighten up, but it was too late.  He added, his mount continued to lay out and at the time, BONIFLEUR was not travelling well.

Mr McNab had nothing further to add.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Dooley advised that Mr McNab is an inexperienced Apprentice Rider, having had 38 raceday rides so far in his short riding career.  He said he had a clear record.

Mr Dooley said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low to mid-range.

Mr McNab sought a deferment to any proposed suspension, until after racing on 2 August 2025.   With regards to penalty, Mr McNab said that the breach was low level.

Reasons for Penalty

After reviewing all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined that Mr McNab’s level of carelessness was in low to mid-range, leading to a starting point of a 6-day suspension.

The available footage showed that near the 250 metres, JURISPRUDENCE shifted out when not clear of BONIFLEUR, who had to be checked and forced on to CHEAP SAV.  The Rule requires a horse to be at least its own length and one other, when crossing another horse.  On this occasion, JURISPRUDENCE was barely a neck clear.

This is Mr McNab’s first breach of the Rule and combined with his admission of the breach, a one-day reduction is applied to the 6-day starting point.

After considering all the above factors, a 5-day suspension is imposed.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted and his Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 5 days, commencing after racing on 2 August 2025 and concluding after racing on 10 August 2025.