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Ashburton RC 20 December 2023 – R3 – Abdul Najib

ID: RIB31009

Respondent(s):
Abdul Najib - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
Chief RIB Steward - Mr John Oatham

Adjudicators:
Dave Anderson

Persons Present:
Mr Oatham, Mr Najib, Stipendiary Steward - Ms Veronica Algar and Licenced Trainer - Mr Michael Pitman

Information Number:
A16779

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Careless Riding shifting ground when not clear

Rule(s):
638(1)(d) - Riding/driving infringement

Plea:
Admitted

Stewards Report

Results

Animal Name:
TAIL LIGHTS

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
20/12/2023

Race Club:
Ashburton Racing Club

Race Location:
Ashburton Racecourse - Racecourse Road, Ashburton, 7700

Race Number:
R3

Hearing Date:
20/12/2023

Hearing Location:
Ashburton Raceway

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Abdul Najib is suspended for 5 days

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race, 3 Mr Oatham presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d) by Apprentice Jockey Mr Abdul Najib.

Mr Najib stated he was conversant with the Rule and the Charge and confirmed he did admit the breach. Mr Najib was assisted at the hearing by Trainer Mr Michael Pitman.

Mr Oatham had Stipendiary Steward Ms Veronica Algar identify Mr Najib (TAIL LIGHTS) racing towards the rear of the field approaching the 900m. Ms Algar pointed to Mr Najib, shift his horse inwards into the line of DAYZEE DIOR (T Jonker), which struck a heel and blundered.

Ms Algar said Mr Najib was barely a length clear when shifting ground.

Mr Pitman said he was surprised Ms Jonker had not anticipated the manoeuvre and not taken hold of her mount. Instead, he said, she kicked up and made the situation worse. Mr Pitman used the video to demonstrate Mr Najib correcting his mount, but admitted the damage had already been done.

Mr Najib made no submissions.

DECISION:

The Respondent having admitted the breach, the charge was deemed to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham stated Mr Najib’s record is clear and has only been riding here since the first of this month. He said in this time, he had had 11 rides.

Mr Oatham said the Stewards’ assessment of the breach is low to mid-range.

Mr Pitman said this breach should be dealt with by a one South Island Day of suspension.

Mr Najib made no submissions for Penalty but asked for a deferment of Penalty until after 30 December.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines provide a 5-day suspension for a low range breach of the Rule.

The Adjudicative Committee agrees with Mr Oatham, this breach is more serious than low level, a horse has clipped a heel, blundered, and luckily stayed on its feet and as such, the Adjudicative Committee adopted a 6-day suspension as a starting point.

Mr Najib has admitted the breach, and his record is unsurprisingly clear. Mr Najib is only just beginning his career and a discount of one day is afforded to him. Deferment is granted and a 5 day suspension is considered an appropriate sanction.

CONCLUSION:

Apprentice Jockey Mr Abdul Najib’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 5 days from the conclusion of racing on 30 December 2023, up to and including racing on 4 January 2024.

Decision Date: 20/12/2023

Publish Date: 21/12/2023