Ashburton RC 6 July 2023 – R1 – Savish Khetoo

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 1, the Respondent Class B Rider Savish Khetoo, admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that “as the rider of BAD FLAMINGO he allowed his mount to shift inwards near the 1500m, when not clear of YES WE KHAN which was dictated inwards onto SASSY CHOUXS and IN DISGUISE, with both runners being checked”. 

The Respondent acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach. Mr Khetoo was assisted at the hearing by NZTR Apprentice Mentor, David Walsh.

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 Mr Davidson, with the assistance of Chief Stipendiary Steward Nigel McIntyre, demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

Stipendiary Steward Mr McIntyre showed the available films and pointed out the incident. He said that shortly after the start and approaching the 1500 metre mark, the Respondent shifted ground inwards when only a bare length ahead of  YES WE KHAN, who was dictated inwards onto SASSY CHOUXS and IN DISGUISE, who were both checked. Mr Davidson stated that it was fortunate that where the incident took place, was where the field crossed from the 1600m start shute rail to the course proper rail. He said that relief was possible to the inside runners due to the lack of a running rail at this point.

In response, the Respondent with assistance from Mr Walsh, said that the main running rail does not line up with the 1600m shute rail and it is deceptive for Riders who have drawn out in the field, to see the shute rail, as it is hidden by the field. He added that the only reference for the outside Riders, was the course proper rail, which is out of alignment with the shute rail. He conceded that this was not a defense to the charge, which was admitted readily, just a factor that may have contributed to the incident.

Decision:

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

Submission for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Davidson produced the Respondent Mr Khetoo’s riding record, which indicated 2 previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely Otago – 1 November 2022 (6 days) and Riverton – 8 April 2023 (5 days).

The Respondent, he said, has had 105 mounts in the past 12 months.

Stipendiary Steward Mr Davidson, said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the mid-range.

The Respondent stated that he did not seek a deferment to any proposed suspension.

In terms of any proposed penalty, the Respondent elected to make no submissions.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee agreed with the Stewards and determined the Respondent, Mr Khetoo’s carelessness to be in the mid-range and accordingly, adopted a  7-day suspension as the starting point. This conforms with the NZTR Penalty Guide.

The Respondent’s riding record is treated as an aggravating factor, as well as the consequential effects on 3 runners in the race. This warranted an uplift in penalty, which was set at 1 day.

Mr Khetoo’s frank admission of the breach was a mitigating factor, with a discount of 1 day being applied to the suspension.

After consideration of the above factors, a 7-National Day suspension was imposed.

Conclusion:

The Respondent, Mr Khetoo’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 7 days commencing after racing today, 6 July 2023, up to and including, racing on 19 July 2023.