Hawkes Bay RI 12 September 2026 – R1 – Lily Sutherland
ID: RIB70901
Animal Name:
Smackers
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
12/09/2026
Race Club:
Hawkes Bay Race Club
Race Location:
Hastings Racecourse - 200 Prospect Road, Hastings, 4122
Race Number:
R1
Hearing Date:
12/09/2026
Hearing Location:
Hawkes Bay Racecourse 300 Prospect Road Hastings 4122
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Lily Sutherland is suspended for 4 NR Days
Background:
Following the running of Race 1, the ‘Taradale Club Maiden’, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d). Details are as follows:
‘in that she angled her mount (Smackers) outward near the 450m when not clear of Hit The Gas, which was checked’.
Rule 638(1)(d) provides:
A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.
The Respondent confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee that she understood the Rule and admitted the breach.
Evidence:
Using available film, Stewards identified the incident and horses involved. Approaching the home turn, SMACKERS was positioned against the fence toward the rear of the field. At the 450m point, the Respondent is seen to angle her mount away from the fence. HIT THE GAS (Mr George Rooke) is to her hind quarters. When moving, SMACKERS is not sufficiently clear of HIT THE GAS, with Mr Rooke required to take hold as a result of a check.
When asked, the Respondent admitted that she was not clear when moving. She had anticipated that Mr Rooke was also likely to move, with that movement impeded by SEADUCTION (Mr Jim Chung). This horse was positioned to their outside and had begun to lay in at the point at which the Respondent looked to angle her mount out.
Decision:
As the Respondent admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
Submissions as to Penalty:
Stewards outlined the Respondent’s record, as it relates to any breach of this Rule, within the twelve-month careless riding ‘reference’ period. Her record is clear. Ms Sutherland has had 108 race day rides over this period. Stewards contended that the breach sat ‘low range’. Ms Sutherland asked that any suspension imposed, be deferred until after racing at Trentham on 19 September 2026.
Reasons for Penalty:
Available film did, to the satisfaction of the Adjudicative Committee, identify the breach. The Respondent was insufficiently clear when moving away from the fence. The check, although ‘minor’, did affect the chances of ‘HIT THE GAS’. After due consideration, the Adjudicative Committee determined the breach to be low range. Referenced to the current NZTR Guide, a 5-day suspension was set as the starting point, with resultant penalty reduced 1 day to reflect ready admission of the breach. The request for deferment was granted.
Conclusion:
The Respondent’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 4 national riding days, commencing after racing on 19 September 2026 and concluding after racing on 26 September 2026.
Decision Date: 12/09/2026
Publish Date: 15/09/2026