Wairarapa RC 1 November 2025 – R8 – Chris Dell

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 8, the “WAIRARAPA MUSIC IN THE COUNTRY AT TAUHERENIKAU RATING 65 1400”, Mr Goodwin presented an Information charging Mr Dell, the Rider of “AYTEEM” with careless riding, in breach of Rule 638(1)(d).

The Information alleged that Mr Dell allowed his mount to shift inwards near the 1100 metres mark when not sufficiently clear of “ALTEZZA”, which was required to be checked.

Mr Dell admitted the breach of the Rule.

The race films illustrated that “AYTEEM” drew the outside starting stall and Mr Dell was endeavouring to achieve a forward position nearer the inside.  He looked inside to his left and elected to angle his mount inwards, but the gap, to which he was aiming, did not eventuate.  As a consequence, “ALTEZZA” ridden by Mr Kavish Chowdhoory, had to be checked and lose 2 lengths, so as to go back onto “HIGHLY LETHAL” ridden by Ms K Hercock, which was also checked.

Mr Dell said that he had “looked in and thought he was 1¼ to 1½ lengths clear”, but accepted that Mr Chowdhoory was entitled to move into the inside gap.

DECISION:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Goodwin advised that Mr Dell has had 314 rides over the past 12 months and has a very good record, with no suspensions over that period.  He said that the degree of carelessness was at the “very low end”.

Mr Dell advised that he has riding engagements up to and including 5 November 2025 and accepted that some suspension has to occur.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

A starting point in the NZTR Guide provides a suspension of 5 National Riding Days for “low end” careless riding.  Any aggravating and mitigating features may be considered.  There was no aggravation.  In mitigation, was the “very low” degree of misjudgment by Mr Dell and his unblemished record over a lengthy period.  The Adjudicative Committee considered these factors justified a significant discount from the starting guide, which is only that.

CONCLUSION:

Accordingly, Mr Dell’s Licence to ride is suspended for 3 National Riding Days, to commence at the end of racing on 5 November 2025 and to finish at the end of racing on 9 November 2025.