Marton JC 21 June 2026 – R5 – Jonathan Riddell
ID: RIB68286
Animal Name:
SIR MIKKI
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
21/06/2026
Race Club:
Marton Jockey Club
Race Location:
Awapuni Racing Centre - 67 Racecourse Road, Awapuni, Palmerston North, 4412
Race Number:
R5
Hearing Date:
21/06/2026
Hearing Location:
Awapuni Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Jonathan Riddell is suspended for 4 days
BACKGROUND
Following the running of Race 5, Class A Rider Jonathan Riddell admitted a breach of Rule 638(1)(d), in that he permitted his mount, SIR MIKKI to shift inwards when not clear of NAUGHTY GRANNIE, which had to check near the 1000 metres.
Rule 638(1)(d) provides:
A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.
EVIDENCE
Mr Goodwin stated that the race was run at a muddling pace, and Mr Riddell elected to improve his position forward. When reaching the lead and angling inwards towards the rail, Mr Riddell misjudged the distance. As a result, SIR MIKKI shifted inwards when not sufficiently clear of NAUGHTY GRANNIE, causing that runner to check.
In response, Mr Riddell accepted that he had “cut it short”. He stated that the speed of the race had eased significantly, prompting him to improve quickly around the field. He added that Rider R Mudhoo had followed his move, and that he had shifted inwards too soon, placing that runner in restricted room.
DECISION
As Mr Riddell has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
PENALTY SUBMISSIONS
Stewards produced Mr Riddell’s riding record, which showed three previous breaches of the Careless Riding Rule in the preceding 12 months, making this his fourth such breach during that period. His record also showed 312 rides over the same timeframe. Stewards submitted that the breach fell within the low range of careless riding, with which Mr Riddell agreed.
REASONS FOR PENALTY
The Adjudicative Committee assesses the degree of carelessness as low. The breach arose from an error of judgment, when Mr Riddell crossed inwards while only approximately one length clear, thereby failing to allow sufficient room to the runner inside him. The interference was not significant.
The Penalty Guide prescribes a starting point of 5 national riding days for a low-range breach. Giving credit for Mr Riddell’s admission of the breach, and taking into account his recent record, the appropriate penalty is a suspension of 4 national riding days.
CONCLUSION
Mr Riddell is suspended from close of racing today, until close of racing on Sunday June 28th, 2026.
Decision Date: 21/06/2026
Publish Date: 23/06/2026