Wanganui JC 22 November 2025 – R6 – Jim Chung

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 6, Apprentice Rider J Chung admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that he allowed his mount PSYCLONE to shift outwards, dictating BLUE JEANIE over extra ground in the home straight.

Mr Chung acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach. Trainer Mr P McKay was present to assist.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides: A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.

As the video footage had already been thoroughly reviewed during the preceding protest hearing, and by agreement of all parties, it was not replayed. Mr Goodwin submitted that Mr Chung had been too late in straightening his mount when it shifted outwards, and as a direct result of that carelessness, PSYCLONE lost the race on protest. Mr McKay acknowledged this, adding that there was little more he could say in the circumstances.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Goodwin produced Mr Chung’s riding record, which showed no previous breaches of the Careless Riding Rule in the past 12 months. In that period, Mr Chung has had 339 rides. Mr Goodwin submitted that the Stewards assessed the level of carelessness as being in the mid-range.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Adjudicative Committee considered that Mr Chung failed to take corrective action early enough, continuing to ride with the whip while his mount shifted outwards. Although he did attempt to straighten near the end of the movement, by that stage the interference had occurred, leading to BLUE JEANIE being carried wider and PSYCLONE’s relegation.

The Adjudicative Committee placed the level of carelessness in the mid-range, given the degree of outward movement and the race outcome. In mitigation, it recognised Mr Chung’s excellent record and his prompt admission of the breach.

Having weighed all factors, including the gravity of the interference, and the Rider’s record, the Adjudicative Committee determined that a suspension of six national riding days was an appropriate penalty.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted and his Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 6 days, commencing after racing on Sunday November 30th and concluding after racing on Wednesday December 10th, 2025.