Ashburton RC 20 December 2023 – R3 – Brandon May
ID: RIB31008
Animal Name:
WOTACHATTABOX
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: Jockey Brandon May is suspended for 6 days
EVIDENCE:
Following the running of Race 3, Mr Oatham presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d) by Class A Jockey Mr Brandon May.
Mr May stated he was conversant with the Rule and the Charge and confirmed he did admit the breach.
Mr Oatham had Stipendiary Steward Ms Veronica Algar identify Mr May (WOTACHATTERBOX) racing in behind the leaders approaching the 200m. Ms Algar pointed to Mr May, shift his horse outwards into the line of YAK SHA (U Holmquist), which was checked.
Mr May said his horse raced very greenly the entire race and when he had both reins in one hand and slapped him, the horse has ducked out.
DECISION:
The Respondent having admitted the breach, the charge was deemed to be proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mr Oatham stated Mr May has 4 previous breaches of the Rule, which are as follows:
7 January – 5 days
18 May – 5 days
28 July – 6 days
30 September – 6 days
Mr Oatham said Mr May has had 228 rides in the period and the Stewards’ assessment of the breach is low to mid-range.
Mr May 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 this breach is more serious than low level and adopted a 6-day suspension as a starting point. Mr May has admitted the breach, but his record has negated this factor and as a result, the Adjudicative Committee considers the starting point to be the appropriate sanction in the circumstances of this case.
The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted.
CONCLUSION:
Jockey Mr Brandon May’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 6 days from the conclusion of racing on 30 December 2023, up to and including racing on 5 January 2024.
Decision Date: 20/12/2023
Publish Date: 21/12/2023