Wanganui JC 29 November 2025 – R4 – Jonathan Riddell
ID: RIB61217
Animal Name:
RABEGA
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
29/11/2025
Race Club:
Wanganui Jockey Club
Race Location:
Wanganui Racecourse - 19 Purnell Street, Whanganui, 4500
Race Number:
R4
Hearing Date:
29/11/2025
Hearing Location:
Wanganui Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Jonathan Riddell is suspended for 4 days
Evidence:
Following the running of Race 4, Mr Jonathan Riddell admitted a charge of careless riding under Rule 638(1)(d). The Information alleged that he allowed his mount to shift inward near the 1000 metres, when not clear of TEARS OF VICTORY (Toni Davies), which was checked.
Mr Riddell acknowledged that he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach.
Stipendiary Steward Mr Goodwin, used the race video to demonstrate that from a wide draw, Mr Riddell shifted across the field and crossed Ms Davies’ mount when only approximately three‑quarters of a length clear, causing Ms Davies to momentarily check off heels.
Mr Riddell accepted that he was not the required two lengths clear, but suggested a more experienced Rider would have read the situation differently and not kicked up as Ms Davies had done.
Decision:
As Mr Riddell admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.
Submissions for Penalty:
Mr Riddell’s riding record shows 2 previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely
22/6/25 5 days
25/5/25 3 days
He has had 349 rides in that time frame.
Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low range.
Reasons for Penalty:
The Adjudicative Committee assessed the culpability as at the lower end of the scale, as the incident arose from a misjudged inward shift, and resulted in a brief check only.
In line with the NZTR Penalty Guide, a 5‑day suspension was adopted as the appropriate starting point for a low‑range careless riding breach.
A 1‑day reduction was applied, to recognise Mr Riddell’s admission of the breach at the earliest opportunity and his overall good record relative to the number of rides in the preceding 12 months, resulting in a 4‑day suspension.
Conclusion:
Mr Riddell’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 4 days, commencing after racing on Saturday December 6th, 2025 and concluding after racing on Friday December 12th, 2025.
Decision Date: 29/11/2025
Publish Date: 01/12/2025