Ashburton RC 12 October 2024 – R4 – Teddy Ladouceur

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Following the running of Race 4, an Information was filed by Stipendiary Steward, Mr Mark Davidson, against Apprentice Jockey Mr Ladouceur, alleging careless riding, in that he shifted ground inwards when passing the 1400 metres when not sufficiently clear of DENARAU and IFFIN DOUBT DANCE, who were crowded and checked passing the 1400 metres.

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”

Mr Ladouceur was assisted in the hearing by the Apprentice Jockey Mentor, Mr Laking. Mr Ladouceur had indicated on the Information that this breach of the Rules was admitted, which he confirmed at the hearing. Mr Ladouceur also acknowledged that he understood the charge and the Rule it was brought under. Mr Laking assisted with this.

SUBMISSIONS:

Mr Davidson, with the assistance of Ms Haley, used the race films to show the incident. Ms Haley said that Mr Ladouceur had been trying to take a spot when there was no room, which put pressure on two other runners. Further, that Mr Ladouceur had been going in and out and as a result, he first impacted Ms Comignaghi’s mount, then Ms Wynne’s runner. The Stewards saw it as one continuous act, rather than two separate incidents. The Stewards said Mr Ladouceur should have continued forward with his mount, as there was nowhere else he could go. They acknowledged from the outset, that his inexperience contributed to the incident.

Mr Ladouceur explained to the Adjudicative Committee that he had made a mistake, he had tried to hold vision and thought he had room, but got it wrong. Mr Laking assisted Mr Ladouceur; he outlined that it was a clear lack of judgment, due to not being very experienced. Mr Laking brought the Adjudicative Committee’s attention to the fact that Ms Comignaghi’s mount was over racing, which contributed to the pressure. This was accepted by the Stewards. Mr Laking also said had Mr Ladouceur been more experienced, he would have known that at that point, he should have ridden forward.

DECISION:

As Mr Ladouceur had admitted the breach, the charge was found to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY:

Mr Davidson said Mr Ladouceur had one relevant prior breach of this Rule.

• May 2024 at Riccarton, where 6 days was imposed

Mr Davidson submitted that Mr Ladouceur had only had 15 lifetime rides. He explained that Mr Ladouceur had recently moved stables, which meant he was now getting more opportunities. He also said that Mr Ladouceur had been working closely with Mr Laking. Mr Davidson said that Mr Ladouceur’s lack of experience was clear and that it should be considered as a mitigating factor. Mr Davidson said this was not a bad check and overall, this breach should be considered in the low range and there were no aggravating factors.

Mr Ladouceur did not seek a deferment.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee agrees that this breach is within the low range in terms of the level of carelessness. Mr Ladouceur essentially became lost due to his inexperience and should have ridden his mount forward. The Adjudicative Committee accepts that this was not a bad check. Accordingly, the starting point adopted is a 5 day suspension.

A discount of 1 day is appropriate to reflect his inexperience and the frank admission of the breach. It is promising that Mr Ladouceur is getting more opportunities in his new stable and that he is working closely with Mr Laking. Accordingly, a suspension of four days is appropriate.

CONCLUSION:

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