Auckland TR 20 September 2025 – R1 – Joe Doyle

Evidence:

This charge arises from the running of Race 1, the SKYCITY 1200m. Senior Stipendiary Steward, Mr B Jones filed an Information pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d) alleging the Rider of ZENZERO GIRL (J Doyle), angled his mount outwards when not sufficiently clear of HIGH ROLLER (O Bosson) which was checked approaching the 200 metres”.

Mr Doyle acknowledged that 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, Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr Oatham demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned; namely ZENZERO GIRL (J Doyle), PIECES OF EIGHT (T Mitchell) and HIGH ROLLER (O Bosson). Nearing the 200-metre mark in the home straight, ZENZERO GIRL was racing inside of HIGH ROLLER and behind PIECES OF EIGHT and Mr Doyle was searching for a run. Mr Doyle sought to shift into a half gap outside of PIECES OF EIGHT, but that horse also shifted out at the same time and there was no longer a run available. Mr Doyle then looked for a run across the heels of PIECES OF EIGHT and in doing so, shifted out and checked HIGH ROLLER. Mr Bosson had to take evasive action to avoid the heels of ZENZERO GIRL. At this time of the shift, ZENZERO GIRL was barely ¾ length clear of HIGH ROLLER.

ZENZERO GIRL finished fourth and HIGH ROLLER was unplaced.

By way of explanation, Mr Doyle told the Adjudicative Committee that he agreed with the Stewards’ interpretation of the breach. Mr Doyle said that his mount was travelling well behind PIECES OF EIGHT and he anticipated a gap opening outside of that horse. But as he shifted to the outside of PIECES OF EIGHT, it also shifted out.

Decision:

As Mr Doyle admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee found the charge proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Jones submitted that Mr Doyle has maintained a clear record over the past 12 months, from 697 race rides. On that basis, Mr Doyle has an excellent record.

Mr Jones said Stewards assessed Mr Doyle’s level of carelessness to be in the low to mid-range, which has a starting point penalty of a 6-day suspension. He added that there were mitigating factors in Mr Doyle’s favour, in particular Ms Mitchell elected to shift out at the same time Mr Doyle was looking to take a run on her outer. This he said, may have contributed to the incident.

Mr Doyle sought a deferment to any proposed suspension until after racing on 27 September 2025.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering the submissions and reviewing the race film, the Adjudicative Committee determined Mr Doyle’s carelessness to be low to mid-range and adopted a 6-day (suspension) as the starting point.

The available films clearly demonstrate that Mr Doyle allowed his mount to shift ground by angling out into the running line of HIGH ROLLER, who had to be checked by its Rider Mr Bosson. The Adjudicative Committee agrees there are mitigating factors in favour of Mr Doyle.

From the 6-day starting point, a one-day reduction is applied for Mr Doyle’s admission of the breach. A further one day reduction is applied, due to Mr Doyle’s exceptional record. Mr Doyle is a busy national Rider, and his previous breach was February 2024 (18 months ago). It is indeed exceedingly rare that such a busy Rider can maintain a clear record for careless riding over an extended period of time. Accordingly, credit must be given.

After considering the above factors, the Adjudicative Committee deemed a 4-day suspension to be appropriate in the circumstances.

Conclusion:

The Adjudicative Committee granted Mr Doyle a deferment to his suspension. Accordingly, his Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 4 days, commencing after racing on 27 September 2025 and concluding after racing on 4 October 2025.