Wanganui JC 30 August 2025 – R3 – Elle Sole

Evidence:

Following Race 3, Apprentice Rider Ms E Sole admitted a charge of careless riding brought under Rule 638(1)(d). The allegation stated that Ms Sole allowed her mount, ROSESRRED, to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of STONE THE CROWS, resulting in that horse being crowded and checked near the 200-metre mark. Ms Sole confirmed her understanding of the Rule and her admission of the breach, with Apprentice Mentor Ms Kim Clapperton present to assist.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides: A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.

Stipendiary Steward Mr Goodwin used available race footage to illustrate that Ms Sole permitted her mount to shift inward onto the horse racing on the inside rail. Although that horse was weakening, its Rider, Mr Dell, was forced to check as Ms Sole took his running line.

In her explanation, Ms Sole stated that her mount ducked in only after she used the whip, which resulted in checking Mr Dell. She explained that she gained a three-quarter length advantage over STONE THE CROWS and did not anticipate such a reaction from her horse, noting that in previous rides, the horse had not reacted to the whip in this manner.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Goodwin submitted that the breach was low end careless, and called for a suspension of Ms Sole’s Licence. He said she has had 274 rides in the past 12 months and only 1 careless riding charge (May 2025).

The Respondent advised of riding engagements through until next Saturday, September 6th and sought a deferment to any proposed suspension.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Adjudicative Committee observed that Ms Sole’s horse was already drifting inwards, before she used the whip. Although Mr Dell was forced to check, this did not influence the race result, as his horse was clearly weakening at the time. After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined that Ms Sole’s carelessness was in the low range and set a five-day suspension as the starting point, in line with the NZTR Penalty Guide, effective February 2025. A one-day reduction was given due to her admission of the breach and her good record, resulting in a four-day suspension.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted and her Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 4 days, commencing after racing on Saturday September 6th and concluding after racing on Friday September 12th.