Egmont RC 23 August 2025 – R4 – Rihaan Goyaram

ID: RIB58172

Respondent(s):
Rihaan Goyaram - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
Mr Neil Goodwin - Senior Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Hon J W Gendall KC (Chair)

Persons Present:
Mr N Goodwin, Ms K Jillings - Stipendiary Steward, Mr R Goyaram - assisted by Ms K Clapperton

Information Number:
A17637

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Careless Riding

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
BEABOPALULA

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
23/08/2025

Race Club:
Egmont Racing Club

Race Location:
Hawera Racecourse - Waihi Road, Hawera, 4610

Race Number:
R4

Hearing Date:
23/08/2025

Hearing Location:
Hawera Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Rihaan Goyaram is suspended for 5 days

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 4, the “ENTAIN/NZB INSURANCE PEARL SERIES F&M MAIDEN 1200m”, Mr Goodwin presented an Information charging Apprentice Jockey R Goyaram with careless riding, in breach of Rule 638(1)(d), in that he permitted his mount “BEABOPALULA” to shift inwards shortly after the start when not sufficiently clear of “ALIYANA BELLE”, which had to be checked.

Mr Goyaram admitted the charge.

Ms Jillings illustrated the incident from the race films (head and side on).  Mr Goyaram’s mount drew 5 and “ALIYANA BELLE” (ridden by Ms K Hercock) drew 4 at the barrier.  Shortly after the start, Mr Goyaram angled his mount inwards when looking inwards, to see those horses inside.  He continued to angle across in an endeavour to secure a position close to the running rail.  However, in doing so, he was not the required distance ahead of Ms Hercock who, after calling out, had to check her mount to avoid contact from Mr Goyaram’s mount.  Although other horses further inside were restrained, that was done by their Riders who had anticipated the movement, which had, by then, been substantially corrected by Mr Goyaram.

DECISION:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Goodwin contended that the degree of carelessness was in the low range.  He advised that Mr Goyaram had 353 previous rides over the past 12 months – over which he has had 7 instances of careless riding.  But many go well back over time.

Mr Goyaram advised that he thought his mount was hanging inwards and he was endeavouring to correct this.  That does not quite accord with the clear evidence of his looking twice to his inwards, before coming across.  But it became also clear that he did correct the movement, although only after the check to Ms Hercock occurred.  He has no riding commitments on the next 7 days.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee does not regard that, from a term of 5 days suspension, it is necessary to increase this because of aggravating features.  These can properly be balanced against his recent improvement and frank acceptance of his error of judgement.

CONCLUSION:

Accordingly, Mr Goyaram’s Licence to ride is suspended for 1 week, namely 5 National Riding Days, to commence at the end of racing today, 23 August 2025 and to finish at the conclusion of racing on 31 August 2025.

Decision Date: 23/08/2025

Publish Date: 26/08/2025