Waipukurau JC 16 November 2025 – R1 – M Hudson

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 1, Ms M Hudson admitted a charge of careless riding laid pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d). The Information alleged that she permitted her mount, PLATINUM TYCHE, to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of POSSESS, which was checked near the 1800 metres.

Ms Hudson acknowledged that she understood the Rule and confirmed her admission of the breach.

Stipendiary Steward Ms Jillings identified Ms Hudson as the widest runner on the track soon after the start. As she shifted inwards towards the running rail, PLATINUM TYCHE crossed in front of POSSESS, without being the required two lengths clear. This manoeuvre resulted in Ms O’Malley, the Rider of POSSESS, having to check her mount.

Decision:

As Ms Hudson admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Ms Selvakumaran produced Ms Hudson’s riding record, which indicated three previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely:

26/3/25   Egmont – 5 days

29/1/25   Waverley – 7 days

4/1/25     Wellington – 4 days

Ms Hudson has had 383 mounts in the past 12 months.

Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low range.

Ms Hudson explained that, from the wide draw, it was her plan to move quickly across to the rail. However, PLATINUM TYCHE had never led before and proved reluctant to go forward. In the event of a suspension, she advised she had riding commitments through until next Saturday.

Reasons for Penalty:

Ms Hudson had a clear plan to secure a more favourable position on the rail after drawing a wide barrier. The video evidence confirmed that PLATINUM TYCHE was not the required two lengths clear of POSSESS, when crossing in front of that runner. The Adjudicative Committee determined the level of carelessness was in the low range and adopted a five‑day suspension as the starting point, in accordance with the NZTR Penalty Guide (March 2024).

While this was Ms Hudson’s fourth breach of careless riding within 12 months, the Adjudicative Committee took into account that her last offence occurred eight months prior. There were no mitigating factors warranting a reduction below the starting point.

Conclusion:

Ms Hudson’s request for a deferment is granted, to allow her to fulfil upcoming riding commitments. Her Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 5 days, commencing after racing on Saturday November 22nd, and concluding after racing on Sunday November 30th, 2025.