Ashburton RC 6 September 2021 – R2 – Racha Cuneen
ID: RIB4428
Animal Name:
BURNVUE
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
06/09/2021
Race Club:
Ashburton Racing Club
Race Location:
Ashburton Racecourse - Racecourse Road, Ashburton, 7700
Race Number:
R2
Hearing Date:
06/09/2021
Hearing Location:
Ashburton Racecourse, Racecourse Rd, Ashburton 7700.
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Racha Cuneen is suspended for 6 National Riding Days.
SUMMARY OF FACTS:
Following Race 2, Happy Birthday Gonzo Maiden, Jockey Racha Cuneen was charged with careless riding in that, as the Rider of BURNVUE, he allowed his mount to shift in when not clear of SORISSO (T Comignaghi) which was checked near the 900 metres.
EVIDENCE:
Mr Oatham with the assistance of Mr Davidson identified Mr Cuneen racing prominently at the 1000 metres and soon after ease his mount to trail the leader. Mr Davidson pointed to Mr Cuneen shifting in when only a bare length clear checking SORISSO (T Comignaghi) and forcing CAPTAINÂ (T Moseley) wider on the track.
Mr Cuneen submitted he had made a slight misjudgment.
REASON FOR DECISION:
Mr Cuneen admitted the charge which was found proved.
SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:
Mr Oatham said Mr Cuneen had 2 previous charges under the Rule, the first at Riccarton in October and the second at Kurow in December, both low range offences. He said this breach was low to mid-range and alluded to the new Penalty Guidelines as appropriate in this case.
Mr Cuneen submitted a Penalty in the low range would be acceptable and asked for a deferment of suspension until after racing at Wingatui on Friday 10 September.
REASON FOR PENALTY:
The new Penalty Guidelines for a low-level and mid-level breach is a 5 and 7-day suspension starting point. The Committee’s observation of the incident was that Mr Cuneen was fortunate the Riders of the checked horses were experienced and mitigated the situation. Nevertheless Mr Cuneen has checked 2 runners which determines an uplift from the low-level start point and the Committee find a 6- day suspension as appropriate in this case. There are no other factors to consider.
Mr Cuneen’s request for deferment is granted.
Mr Cuneen was reminded by the Committee that another breach of this Rule in the near future would place his record in a poor state. This would certainly be considered an aggravating factor and any penalty would reflect this.
CONCLUSIONS
Jockey Racha Cuneen is suspended from riding for 6 National Riding Days from 11 September to the 19th September 2021 both dates inclusive.
Decision Date: 06/09/2021
Publish Date: 07/09/2021