Ashburton RC 12 October 2024 – R3 – Kylie Williams

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Following the running of Race 3, an Information was filed by Stipendiary Steward, Mr Mark Davidson, against Ms Kylie Williams, alleging careless riding, in that she permitted her mount THIRD DECREE to shift ground inwards over the concluding stages, crowding ILLICIT DREAMS and THE GOOD SHEPHERD.

Rule 638(1)(d) reads as follows;

“(1) A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be:

    (d) careless”

Ms Williams had indicated on the Information that this breach of the Rules was admitted, which she confirmed at the hearing. Ms Williams also acknowledged that she understood the charge and the Rule it was brought under.

SUBMISSIONS:

Mr Davidson, with the assistance of Ms Haley, used the race films to show the incident. Ms Haley said that Ms Williams’ mount began to hang inwards. She showed Ms Williams’ whip get stuck and said that Ms Williams monetarily had to take her hand off the reins; at this point there was the subsequent contact with the two inside runners, and as a result, they were crowded and checked.

Ms Williams explained that her response to the horse moving in was slightly delayed, due to her whip becoming stuck.

DECISION:

As Ms Williams had admitted the breach, the charge was found to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY:

Mr Davidson said Ms Williams had four relevant prior breaches of this Rule. However, when questioned by the Adjudicative Committee, Mr Davidson submitted they were all low level, that she is a busy Rider and that they are spread out over a number of months, as well as not being recent. Accordingly, the Stewards consider her record to be a neutral factor.

• 2 March 2024 at Wingatui, where 4 days was imposed for a low range breach
• 28 April 2024 at Wingatui, where 4 days was imposed for a low range breach
• 2 June 2024 at Riccarton, where 4 days was imposed for a low range breach
• 21 July 2024 at Oamaru, where 4 days was imposed for a low range breach

Mr Davidson submitted that the last breach was almost three months ago and she is a busy Rider. Further, it was clear she had tried to remedy the horse shifting inwards, but her whip got caught. In terms of the impact, he said it caused tightening to the other runners and in particular, to Mr Callaway’s runner, he never stopped pushing forward. Mr Davidson said this was a low level breach and she should be given credit for her guilty plea.

Ms Williams did not seek a deferment.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee agrees that this breach is within the low range. After reviewing the video replays and hearing from the Stewards and Ms Williams, the Adjudicative Committee considers that there were contributing factors, which mitigate the level of carelessness in this case. Accordingly, the starting point adopted is a 5 day suspension. A discount of 1 day is appropriate to reflect her frank admission of the breach.

In terms of her record, the Adjudicative Committee acknowledges that this is the fifth breach of this Rule. However, of note, Ms Williams is a busy Rider and the last breach was almost three months ago. Further, all prior breaches have fallen within the low range. Clearly, with breaches of this nature, a central concern is for safety, however, in this circumstance, the Adjudicative Committee is prepared to accept that her record should be a neutral factor. This is because her prior breaches are not recent, there is a gap in time and they all fall within the low range. This would be different if they were in quick succession.

Accordingly, a suspension of four days is appropriate.

CONCLUSION:

Ms Williams is suspended for 4 days, from the close of racing on 12 October 2024, up to and including 19 October 2024.