Ashburton RC 14 March 2024 – R5 – Ashvin Goindasamy

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 5, Betty Wadley Memorial, Class A Jockey, Ashvin Goindasamy, admitted a breach of Rule 638(1)(d) in that, as the Rider of DEVIL IN DISGUISE in the Race, he rode carelessly when directing his mount outwards when there was insufficient room to do so and not sufficiently clear of DIAMOND RIVIERE (Gosen Jogoo) making heavy contact with that runner near the 200 metres.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides:

A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.

EVIDENCE:

Stipendiary Steward, Veronica Algar, had Stipendiary Steward, Mark Davidson, show the incident on available video replays. The Adjudicative Committee had seen these replays in the course of the earlier Protest hearing. He pointed out DEVIL IN DISGUISE, ridden by the Respondent, being held up with no run, so he shifted while continuing to be held up. He made contact with DIAMOND RIVIERE, which became unbalanced, and continued into that run when there was no run for him.

The Respondent said that he was trying to get an “out” and was lying on DIAMOND RIVIERE, which was smaller than his mount and under pressure, which made the bump look worse. He believed that his horse was always going to beat the other one.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Ms Algar said that Stewards viewed the breach as being in the low-to-mid range.

She said the Respondent has one previous charge under the Careless Riding Rule – on 23 February 2024 at Riccarton, suspension of 4 days for a low-range breach and a good record.

The Respondent has had 343 rides in the last 12 months, Ms Algar said.

The Respondent requested a deferment of any suspension until after 23 March 2024.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee agreed with the Stewards’ assessment the level of carelessness as being in the low-to-mid range. The RIB Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide (February 2023) provides a starting point for penalty for such a breach of a 6-day suspension. The Respondent is entitled to credit for his admission of the breach and his record, which the Adjudicative Committee regards as excellent.

A discount from the starting point of 6 days is appropriate and the Adjudicative Committee sets that discount at 1 day.

CONCLUSION:

The Respondent’s application for a deferment is granted. He is suspended from riding in races under his Class A Jockey’s Licence from after the close of racing on 23 March 2024 up to and including 3 April 2024 – 5 national riding days.