R Te Aroha 6 March 2026 – R5 – Opie Bosson

The Applicant, Stipendiary Steward Mr Dooley filed an Information alleging that Class A Rider Opie Bosson committed a breach of Rule 648(5), namely, “he weighed in at a weight 0.5kg in excess of that at which he weighed out” which is deemed a breach of the Rules.

The Respondent was present at the hearing and confirmed his understanding of the Rule and his admission of the breach.

Mr Jones produced the records of the Clerk of the Scales for Race 5, where Mr Bosson was riding PERUGIA.  These documents confirmed the basis and grounds for the breach. The margin was 0.1kg.

Mr Dooley confirmed that in the normal course, this breach would be dealt with by the MIN process, but given this was Mr Bosson’s third breach of the Rule in 120 days (being the reset period), an Information was laid.  

Mr Bosson was at a loss to explain the weight variation other than to speculate it might have related to it being a hot day, drinking water and horse sweating. 

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Dooley said as this is the Respondent’s 3rd breach of the Rule within the last 120 days, the first breach is a fine of $100, the second and subsequent requires an escalation in penalty, suggesting $300 or more would be appropriate.  Mr Bosson highlighted the minimal margin of 0.1kg.  

Reasons for Penalty:

The MIN schedule establishes a $100 fine as the starting point for a first breach of this Rule.  In circumstances where Stewards elect to file an Information, determination of penalties are fact dependent.

The Adjudicative Committee considered the submissions and for consistency, took some guidance from previous penalties for similar breaches.

Given the circumstances and in particular noting the small margin over the tolerance of 0.4kg, the Adjudicative Committee determined $300 as a fair and proportionate amount.

Conclusion:

Mr Bosson is fined $300.