Ashburton RC 21 December 2021 – R3 – Brandon May

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 3, Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr John Oatham presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d) by Jockey Brandon May which was denied. Mr May acknowledged he understood the Rule and the charge.

Mr Oatham played the replay video of the start and identified Mr May who had drawn 4 places in from the outside of the starting gate. He pointed to Mr May ride his horse forward and angle across firstly into the line of ON MY SHOULDERS (Jacob Lowry) and continued on into the line of ATAAHUA PIPEDREAM (Krishna Mudhoo) both horses having to check. Mr Oatham said in both instances Mr May was only 3/4 of a length clear when shifting inwards. Mr Oatham said although Mr May’s horse’s head can be seen turned out he continued to ride forward into the line of the two affected horses.

Mr Oatham called Mr Lowry to give evidence. Mr Lowry said Mr May had taken his line and caused him to check. He said he had seen the incident developing and managed to mitigate the damage. He stated Mr May was only a bare length clear when he crossed.

Mr Oatham called Mr Mudhoo to give evidence. Mr Mudhoo said he had pressure from his outside from Mr May and it was very tight. He said he had to check out of his position and that Mr May was only a length clear when crossing in front of him.

Mr May used the videos and stated that he had drawn wide and as he angled inwards Mr Lowry wasn’t taking the position he had designs on. He said when he crossed Mr Lowry he found himself beside Mr Mudhoo. He said his horse was lugging in and said he was correcting it for the entire race. He said Mr Mudhoo wasn’t denied his position in the race and it was unfortunate that SHOW US PLENTY had been a difficult ride.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

Mr May failed to convince the Adjudicative Committee that he had not ridden carelessly. The evidence from Mr Lowry and Mr Mudhoo the Adjudicative Committee found compelling, as were the video replays of the incident which clearly shows both Riders having to check and avoid Mr May.

The charge was found proved.

SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY:

Mr Oatham stated Mr May had one previous breach of the Rule on his record at Ascot Park on 17 November where he was suspended for 6 days.

He said the Stewards assess this breach, mid-range possibly lower given Mr May’s horse was a difficult ride, and a suspension in this range would be appropriate.

Mr May made no submissions on a penalty but asked for deferment of suspension for him to fulfill engagements at Timaru on 28 December.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

After considering all submissions the Adjudicative Committee assessed Mr May’s carelessness as mid-low. Both affected Riders were experienced and were able to mitigate the situation and because the interference happened in the first 150m of the race, possibly had no influence on placings.

After consideration of the above factors, the Adjudicative Committee imposed a 6-day suspension.

CONCLUSION:

Mr May’s request for a deferment is granted and his Licence to ride is suspended from the close of racing on the 28 December up to and including racing on the 5th January 2021. 6 National Riding Days.