Waikato TR 17 April 2026 – R7 – Joe Nishizuka

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 5 Apprentice Rider Mr Joe Nishizuka, admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d). The Information alleged that as the Rider of FLEETING STAR he permitted his mount to shift outwards over the concluding stages when not sufficiently clear of ESTERNAY (W Kennedy) which was checked.”

Mr Nishizuka was assisted at the hearing by Mr N Harris (Rider Mentor). He acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides: A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.

Using the available race films, Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr Oatham demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

Mr Oatham pointed out that in the run up the home straight FLEETING STAR was in front and commenced to run about under pressure.  He said that inside the final 100 metres FLEETING STAR shifted out 4 horse-widths. Nearing the finish FLEETING STAR dictated ESTERNAY outwards who then ran out of running room and its rider Mr Kennedy had to take a strong hold of his mount.

Mr Oatham said that Mr Nishizuka took belated corrective action. He estimated that FLEETING STAR was never any more than one length clear of ESTERNAY when that runner was checked.

In response, Mr Nishizuka said that he did not realise, until it was too late, that he shifted ground as depicted in the race films and he tried “at the last minute” to correct his mount.

Decision:

As Mr Nishizuka admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Dooley presented the history of Mr Nishizuka’s breaches under Rule 638(1)(d) over the past twelve months, noting that this is his third breach within that period. During these twelve months, Mr Nishizuka has had 190 raceday mounts. His previous breaches occurred on 21 June 2025 at Tauranga, which resulted in a five-day suspension, and on 6 July 2025, also at Tauranga, where he received a four-week suspension due to causing a fall. Since the most recent breach, Mr Nishizuka has maintained a clear record. In light of this, the Stewards recommended that his record be regarded as a neutral factor in determining the penalty and should be considered alongside his admission of the current breach.

Mr Dooley said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be low-level, which according to the Penalty Guide has a starting point suspension of 5-days. He recommended that a 4-day suspension be imposed.

Mr Nishizuka sought a deferment to any proposed suspension until after racing on 25 April 2026. Mr Harris submitted that Mr Nishizuka is an improving Apprentice Rider. He is starting to get more raceday mounts and he is benefitting from his attendance at the Apprentice Riding School.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined Mr Nishizuka’s carelessness to be in the low-range and adopted a 5-day suspension as the starting point.

In reaching a decision regarding the penalty, the Adjudicative Committee carefully considered Mr Nishizuka’s admission of the breach and his riding history. Although this represents his third breach of Rule 638(1)(d) within the past twelve months, it is significant that his most recent breach occurred nine months ago. Since then, Mr Nishizuka has maintained a clear record.

Taking these factors into account a suspension of four days is imposed.

Conclusion:

Mr Nishizuka was granted a deferment until after racing on 25 April 2026. Accordingly, his licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 4 national riding days, commencing after racing on 25 April 2026 and concluding after racing on 30 April 2026.