Auckland TR 5 September 2026 – R1 – Samantha Collett

Evidence

Following the running of Race 1, Class A Rider Ms Sam Collett, admitted a charge of careless riding in that she permitted her mount to shift outward when not sufficiently clear of PROTEUS (W Pinn), which was checked near the 75 metres.

At the commencement of the hearing, Ms Collett confirmed that she admitted the charge and that she understood the nature 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, Deputy Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr B Jones demonstrated the incident and identified the horses involved, namely GROCER’S GIRL, PROTEUS, GENIE  and EXCITE.

Mr Jones pointed out that GROCER’S GIRL was following the two leaders, GENIE and EXCITE in the home straight. They both shifted out slightly and nearing the 75 metres.  Ms Collett was held up briefly for a run, then established her mount in a line outside the two leaders. In making her run outward, she shifted into the running line of PROTEUS (W Pinn), who was checked after being placed in restricted room.

GROCER’S GIRL was only 1-length clear of PROTEUS when she came across and checked that horse.

In response, Ms Collett said that her horse was hanging in early in the straight, but she didn’t suggest that was an excuse for her breach.  She said that she didn’t realise that she had shifted out as much as she did and was not aware that PROTEUS was racing behind and outside of her mount.

Decision

As the Respondent admitted the charge, the Adjudicative Committee finds it to be proved.

Penalty Submissions

Mr Oatham submitted that Ms Collett has one previous breach of the Careless Riding Rule, from 795 rides in the past 12 months.  This occurred on 2 May 2026 at Waikato and resulted in a 3-day suspension for a low-level breach.

Mr Oatham advised that Stewards assessed the breach as being a “touch” above low-level.

Ms Collett advised of riding engagements up to and including 13 September 2026 and sought a deferment until after that date.  She had nothing further to add regarding penalty.

Reasons for Penalty

The Adjudicative Committee has assessed Ms Collett’s level of carelessness to be in the low-range, which has a starting point of a 5-day suspension. It is acknowledged that GENIE and EXCITE shifted out slightly, when Ms Collett was seeking a run outside those runners. As a result, she had to shift wider and in doing so, she shifted into the running line of PROTEUS, who was placed in restricted racing room.

Ms Collett has an excellent riding record, this being her second breach of the Rule in the past 12 months, from 795 rides.  In acknowledgement of her record and admission of the breach, a one-day reduction is applied to the 5-day starting point.

Accordingly, after considering all the factors, the Adjudicative Committee determined a 4-day suspension to be an appropriate penalty.

Conclusion

Ms Collett’s License to ride in races is suspended for a period of 4 days. This will commence after racing on 13 September 2026 and conclude after racing on 23 September 2026.