Auckland TR 22 June 2022 – R3 – Callum Jones

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 3, the Respondent, Apprentice Rider Callum Jones admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that as the Rider of CHARLOTTE AMALIE “Mr Jones allowed his mount to shift in near the 200 metres when attempting a run and crowding SARUN (J Chung) which was crowded and hampered”.

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

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 Stipendiary Steward Mr Dooley demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

Mr Dooley said that approaching the 200-metre mark CHARLOTTE AMALIE (C Jones) was racing one off the fence searching for a run. He shifted in when not clear of SARUN (J Chung) who was hampered and checked.  As a result, Mr Chung sat up for several strides.

Mr Jones said that the incident is clear on the films and the only thing he could add was that he went for the run too early and should have waited for the gap to open.

Decision:

As the Respondent admitted the breach the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submission for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mrs Selvakumaran produced Mr Jones’ riding record which indicated one previous breach of the Rule in the past 12 months; namely:

24/10/21 at Wellington 5 days suspension.

Mr Selvakumaran said Stewards assessed the carelessness to be in the low-range.

The Respondent sought a deferment until after racing on 25 June 2022 to any proposed suspension.  Mr Harris said that Mr Jones has recently returned to race riding following a break (returned 4 weeks ago). He said that he is riding “too keen” and needs to settle back into it.

Reasons for Penalty:

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

The available films clearly established that the Respondent went for a gap that had not quite opened, and had he waited the gap would have emerged.

The Respondent has returned to race riding after a 6-month break.  Hence his recent record is clear, but for the one breach back in October 2021. However, his record is assessed as good and combined with his admission of the breach he is afforded a one-day reduction from the starting point.

After consideration of the above factors a 4-day suspension was imposed.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted and his licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 4 days commencing after racing on 25 June 2022 and concluding after racing on 1 July 2022.