Marton JC 21 June 2026 – R3 – Floor Moerman

BACKGROUND

Following the running of Race 3, Class B Rider Floor Moerman admitted a breach of Rule 638(1)(d), in that she permitted her mount, SHOWBASTIAN COE to shift inwards when not fully clear of KARYON, which was checked near the 700 metres.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides:

A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.

At the start of the hearing, Ms Moerman confirmed her admission of the breach. She was assisted throughout the hearing by Senior Rider Mr Jonathan Riddell.

EVIDENCE

Using the race films, Ms Selvakumaran identified that near the 700-metre bend, Ms Hudson was positioned closest to the rail, with Ms Moerman racing to her immediate outside in the one-off position.

As the field approached the bend, Ms Moerman attempted to shift inward to obtain the lead. However, when doing so, she was not sufficiently clear of Ms Hudson, resulting in Ms Hudson being checked when her mount, KARYON, had to be restrained.

In response, Ms Moerman stated that she did not shift fully to the rail and believed Ms Hudson’s mount had contributed to the incident by hanging. Mr Riddell added that the speed of horses entering a bend, can make things difficult and suggested that Ms Hudson had the option of pulling back.

Mr Goodwin rejected the suggestion that KARYON was hanging, stating the horse was racing tractably and was entitled to maintain its position. He noted that Ms Moerman was only approximately one and a half lengths clear, when she shifted inward.

DECISION

As Ms Moerman has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

PENALTY SUBMISSIONS

Stewards produced Ms Moerman’s record, which showed five previous breaches of the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months:

• 12/11/25     5 days (low/mid range)
• 14/12/25     4 days (low range)
• 22/3/26       4 days (low range)
• 4/4/26         5 days (low range)
• 2/5/26         5 days (low range)

She has had 497 rides in the last 12 months. Stewards placed the degree of carelessness in the low range.

Ms Moerman reiterated her view that Ms Hudson’s mount had overreacted. She advised that any period of suspension could commence immediately, as she has no upcoming riding engagements.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

The Adjudicative Committee assesses the level of carelessness as low, arising from an error of judgement, in Ms Moerman failing to ensure she was sufficiently clear before shifting ground.

The Penalty Guide provides a starting point of 5 national riding days for a low-range breach.

An uplift of 1 day is applied, to reflect the Respondent’s record. While the Adjudicative Committee acknowledges the high number of rides in the past 12 months, the frequency of breaches (averaging approximately one per month) is of concern. Previous penalties have not operated as a sufficient deterrent.

The Adjudicative Committee also notes that Ms Moerman is an Apprentice Rider and that all prior breaches have been assessed at the lower end. However, her record remains an aggravating factor.

CONCLUSION

Ms Moerman is suspended from close of racing today, until close of racing on Thursday July 2nd, 2026.