Winton JC 23 November 2025 – R7 Kendra Bakker

Miss Haley alleged that Ms Bakker, the Rider of FLASH ROCA in Race 7, rode carelessly in that she allowed her mount to shift outwards when not fully clear of VANTAANA, which was crowded and checked shortly after the start.

Mrs Fisher demonstrated on the head-on video that Ms Bakker, who was in barrier 8, shifted outwards shortly after the start and Mr Moseley, who was in the barrier to the outside of Ms Bakker, had to take hold of his mount, VANTAANA. It appeared that FLASH ROCA had shied away from the runner to its inside, ICE COLD GOLD, which was being struck with the whip at the time. The head of FLASH ROCA was not directed inwards, and Mr Moseley was checked and crowded as a consequence of the horse shifting out. The side-on video evidenced that Ms Bakker was not her length and another clear of Mr Moseley at the time. Mrs Fisher added that although Mr Moseley lost ground, he was intending to go back after jumping from the gate.

Miss Haley stated that the Respondent’s carelessness was in the fact that she failed to do enough to correct her horse.

Mr Laking agreed with the analysis of the videos. He said the Respondent had come out and things had become a bit tight for Mr Moseley. Mr Moseley had not been pushed onto the outside horse; he had just been pushed out.

Ms Bakker said she had let her horse drift out too much before correcting it. There had been no yelling from Mr Moseley, but she was aware he was there. She hadn’t realised at the time how much she was coming out on to Mr Moseley, but she did correct the horse the moment she knew.

Decision

As Ms Bakker has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

Submissions as to Penalty

Miss Haley produced the Respondent’s record, which showed that Ms Bakker has had 127 rides in the past 12 months. She has had a lengthy break due to injury. Ms Bakker has had 2 breaches of the Careless Riding Rule in the past 6 months; one at Ashburton in July and another at Riccarton in September. Miss Haley submitted the breach was low end and believed the inside horse may have contributed to FLASH ROCA shifting out.

Ms Bakker agreed with Miss Haley’s assessment of the gravity of the breach and sought a suspension until after racing at Cromwell on 30 November.

Reasons for Penalty

The breach is low range. Ms Bakker has not corrected her mount FLASH ROCA quickly enough, once it shifted away from ICE COLD GOLD shortly after the start. Mr Moseley was crowded and has had to check his mount, VANTAANA. However, he was intending to settle back in the field. The starting point in the Penalty Guide for a low range breach is a 5-day suspension. Having regard to the circumstances of the breach, Ms Bakker’s record of 2 breaches since July, and her admission of the breach, a penalty at the starting point is appropriate.

Conclusion

Ms Bakker is suspended from the end of riding on 30 November, up to and including 7 December 2025. This is 5 national riding days.