Otaki-Maori RC 8 February 2026 – R2 – Amber Riddell

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 2, the “AQUASHIELD ROOFING MEGA MAIDEN SERIES”, Ms Selvakumaran presented an Information charging Ms A Riddell with careless riding, in breach of Rule 638(1)(d) in that she permitted her mount BANTRY to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of JUST A NUDGE, near the 850 metres mark, resulting in it having to be checked.

Ms Riddell, assisted by Ms Clapperton, did not admit the charge, so it was heard on a defended basis.

The race films were referred to by Ms Jillings and depicted that at the 850 metre mark, BANTRY was racing 4 horse widths out from the rail.  Inside it, 3 widths out, was JUST A NUDGE, ridden by M Singh.  BANTRY angles inwards into the line of Mr Singh’s mount, leading him to check and steady to avoid contact of heels. Mr Singh’s evidence was he “suffered” interference near the 800 metre mark when pressure from Ms Riddell on his outside caused him to check his mount.  Whilst he agreed with Ms Clapperton’s submission that his mount was “over racing”, he maintained that Ms Riddell was not the required 2 lengths clear when she moved in.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

To be “careless” is, whether by act or omission, a failure to take due care and attention, and all Riders know that movement across another horse, inside or outside, when not sufficiently clear, is a breach of the Rule.  It may result from a lack of judgement, which may be relevant to the degree of fault, depending on the circumstances.

The Adjudicative Committee accepted the facts as stated by Mr Singh and displayed on the race films.  Although over racing by Mr Singh’s mount, he was entitled (as he did) to maintain his line, and the check would not have occurred had not Ms Riddell allowed her mount to angle in.

DECISION:

The charge was found proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Ms Riddell has a very good record as a busy Apprentice, having had 675 rides in the past 12 months, with only 1 previous breach of this Rule on 14 September 2025.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The degree of carelessness was, as the Informant agrees, in the low range.

From a starting point of a 5 day suspension, she deserves credit for her record as mitigation.

CONCLUSION:

Accordingly, her Licence to ride is suspended for 4 National Riding Days, to commence at the conclusion of racing on 18 February 2026 and to finish at the conclusion of racing on 25 February 2026.