Auckland TR 29 October 2025 – R2 – Courtney Barnes

This charge arises from the running of Race 2, the Sistema 1200, at Pukekohe Park. Stipendiary Steward, Mr B Jones filed an Information pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d) alleging the Rider of CIRCUS TRIX (Courtney Barnes), “permitted her mount to shift outwards when not sufficiently clear of TALL TIMBER, which was checked near the 300 metres”.

Ms Barnes acknowledged she understood the Rule and confirmed her 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 CIRCUS TRIX and TALL TIMBER (M Cartwright).

Mr Oatham told the Adjudicative Committee that approaching the 300-metre mark, Ms Barnes allowed her mount to shift out onto TALL TIMBER, who was checked. Ms Barnes appeared to attempt to straighten her mount, but this was unsuccessful.  He said that at the time of the shift, she was not sufficiently clear of TALL TIMBER.

Ms Barnes explained her mount had ducked under TALL TIMBER and despite her best efforts, she was unable to move away and straighten.

Decision:

As Ms Barnes admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee found the charge proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Jones submitted that the breach was low level, Ms Barnes riding record is good with her having had two previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months and she was a busy Rider, having had 549 rides during that time.

In terms of penalty, he submitted that a suspension commensurate with a low-range breach be imposed, with a discount being afforded to Ms Barnes for her admission of the breach and her good record.

Ms Barnes sought a deferment to any proposed suspension until after racing on 8 November 2025. She had nothing further to add in relation to any proposed penalty.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering the submissions and reviewing the race film, the Adjudicative Committee determined Ms Barnes’ carelessness to be low-range and adopted a 5-day suspension as the starting point.

The available films clearly established the breach.

From the 5-day starting point, a one-day reduction is applied for Ms Barnes’ admission of the breach and her good riding record.  There are no aggravating factors.

Accordingly, Ms Barnes is suspended from riding for 4 days.

Conclusion:

The Adjudicative Committee granted Ms Barnes’ request for a deferment to her suspension. Her Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 4 days, commencing after racing on 8 November 2025 and concluding after racing on 14 November 2025.