Ashburton RC 3 April 2025 – Race 11 – Ulrika Holmquist

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 11, the Respondent Class A Rider Ulrika Holmquist admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that as the Rider of GIANNIS “she permitted her mount to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of TOBLERONE, which was checked near the 1100 metres”. 

The Respondent acknowledged she understood the Rule and confirmed her  admission of the breach.

After a brief discussion, Ms Holmquist was excused from attending the hearing as she had to catch a flight back to Auckland at 7pm.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides: A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.

Using the available race films, Stipendiary Steward Veronica Algar, with the assistance of Chief Stipendiary Steward, John Oatham, demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned. Mr Oatham pointed out Ms Holmquist, riding GIANNIS racing 2 wide approaching the 1100m with TOBLERONE, ridden by Rohan Mudhoo, racing on the inside of Ms Holmquist. The replays showed Ms Holmquist looking to shift in, in front of Mr Mudhoo, and eventually when doing so, was not clear of Mr Mudhoo, who had to steady and check off the heels of GIANNIS. Ms Algar added that Ms Holmquist was barely a length in front of Mr Mudhoo with this movement.

Decision:

As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Ms Algar produced Ms Holmquist’s riding record, which indicated 1 previous breach under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely – 15 January 2025 – Riccarton – 5 day suspension (low range).

Ms Algar said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the mid to low-range and submitted a starting point as per the Penalty Guide of a 6 day starting point.

The Respondent had advised of riding engagements through until 13 April and sought a deferment to any proposed suspension.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined the Respondent’s carelessness to be in the mid to low range and accordingly, adopted a 6-day suspension as the starting point. This conforms with the NZTR Penalty Guide.

The Respondent’s riding record, which records only 1 breach in the previous 12 months in January 2025, 3 months prior to today’s breach, is determined a neutral factor. Ms Holmquist’s frank admission of the breach warrants a discount, which the Adjudicative Committee set at 1 day.

After consideration of the above factors, a 5-day suspension was imposed.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment until after racing on 13 April 2025 is granted and her Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 5 National Days, commencing after racing on 13 April 2025 and concluding after racing on 23 April 2025.