Wellington RC 1 March 2026 – R8 – Rihaan Goyaram

ID: RIB64547

Respondent(s):
Rihaan Goyaram - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
Mr Neil Goodwin - Senior Steward

Adjudicators:
Hon J W Gendall KC

Persons Present:
Mr N Goodwin, Ms K Jillings, Ms L Selvakumaran - Stewards, Mr R Goyaram - assisted by Ms K Clapperton

Information Number:
A17682

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Careless Riding

Rule(s):
638(1)(d) - Riding/driving infringement

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
HELLUVAH RETURN

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
01/03/2026

Race Club:
Wellington Racing Club

Race Location:
Trentham - 10 Racecourse Rd, Upper Hutt, 5018

Race Number:
R8

Hearing Date:
01/03/2026

Hearing Location:
Trentham Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Rihaan Goyaram is suspended for 7 days

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 8, the “GRANT PLUMBING 2100”, Mr Goodwin presented an Information charging Apprentice Jockey Mr R Goyaram, with careless riding, in breach of Rule 638(1)(d) in that he permitted his mount HELLUVAH RETURN to shift outwards when not sufficiently clear of GOSSIP, ridden by Ms S Collett, which was checked near the 400 metres mark.

Mr Goyaram admitted the breach.

The race films depicted that upon entering the home straight, HELLUVA RETURN was racing near the running rail and Mr Goyaram angled his mount outwards, seeking a clear run.  He was not clear of GOSSIP, ridden by Ms Collett.  This movement forced her outwards and she had to check her mount to avoid HELLUVA RETURN.  The other evidence was that she, and other Riders, had called out to Mr Goyaram to “stay there”, but without avail.  The film illustrated Mr Goyaram looking inwards, to his left, as a reaction when he had completed his movement, but the careless riding had already happened.

Mr Goyaram said that he had angled outwards farther than he had originally intended.

DECISION:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Goodwin advised that Mr Goyaram had a troubling record for careless riding over the past 12 months.  From 354 rides, he had 6 breaches of the Rule, increasing periods of suspension for 4, 5 and 7 days.  He has a pending period of suspension to commence after 12 March 2026.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

This breach was in the low/medium range and a starting point of 6 days’ suspension is taken.  To this, a further 1 day is required because of this poor record.

CONCLUSION:

Accordingly, Mr Goyaram’s Licence to ride is suspended for 7 National Riding Days, to commence after the conclusion of the present term, namely at the end of racing on 12 March 2026 and to finish at the end of racing on 22 March 2026.

Decision Date: 01/03/2026

Publish Date: 04/03/2026