South Canterbury RC 19 November 2025 – R7 – Yogesh Atchamah

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 7, the Respondent Class B Rider Yogesh Atchamah admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that as the Rider of TANQUIL EYES “he allowed his mount to shift out buffeting and unbalancing I’M DREAMING near the 250 metres”. 

The Respondent acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach.

Mr Atchamah was assisted at the hearing by NZTR Apprentice Mentor, Jason Laking.

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, Stipendiary Steward Veronica Fisher, with the assistance of Senior Stipendiary Steward Mark Davidson, demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned. Mr Davidson pointed out Mr Atchamah, riding TRANQUIL EYES racing 2 wide and mid field approaching the 250m with I’M DREAMING, ridden by Lee Callaway, racing to the outside of Mr Atchamah. The replays showed Mr Atchamah looking for racing room and shifting out in an attempt to find clear running and in doing so, made firm contact and lay over I’M DREAMING, causing that horse to be buffeted and unbalanced for several strides. Mr Davidson stated that Mr Callaway had reported to the Stewards that he was a tiring runner at the time of the incident.

In response, the Respondent stated that when he shifted out, APPROACHING, ridden by Amber Riddell, who was racing ahead had shifted out slightly as he was making his move, which contributed to the situation. He added that he had shifted out much further than he had intended and as a result, had made contact with I’M DREAMING.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mrs Fisher produced the Respondent Mr Atchamah’s riding record, which indicated 3 previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely;

30 December 2024 – Kurow – 5 day suspension (low range – poor record)

15 January 2025 – Riccarton – mid range – 8 days (poor record)

6 August 2025 – Riccarton – 7 days (mid range)

Stipendiary Steward Mrs Fisher said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the  low-range and submitted a starting point as per the Penalty Guide of a 5 to  5 day suspension. She added that Mr Atchamah had 125  rides since his last offence on 6 August 2025.

The Respondent advised of confirmed riding engagements through until 23 November at Ascot Park and with any suspension to begin after that date.

In terms of any proposed penalty, the Respondent elected to make no submissions.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined the Respondent Mr Atchamah’s carelessness to be in the low range and accordingly, adopted a 5 day suspension as the starting point. This conforms with the NZTR Penalty Guide.

The Respondent’s riding record showed 3 previous breaches over the prior 12 months, with 2 of those breaches being 10 months prior and the latest in August 2025, with 125 rides since. This Adjudicative Committee determined that Mr Atchamah’s record would be treated as neutral.  In mitigation, Mr Atchamah’s admission of the breach warrants a discount, which the Adjudicative Committee set at 1 day.

After consideration of the above factors, a 4-day suspension was imposed.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 4 National Days, commencing after racing on 23 November 2025 and concluding after racing on 30 November 2025.