Ashhurst-Pohangina RC 14 April 2023 – R7 – Opie Bosson

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 7, Manawatu Breeder’s Stakes (Group 3), the Respondent Class A Rider Mr O Bosson admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that he allowed his mount AROMATIC to shift inwards when not fully clear of PRIDE OF ASPEN which was checked near the 1600 metres.

Mr Bosson acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach.

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 video angles, Stipendiary Steward Mr N Goodwin demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

He said rounding the bend after the home straight, Mr Bosson was attempting to move in closer to the running rail. As he shifted in, Mr Bosson overdid it slightly and caused some interference to Mr McNab’s mount. Mr Goodwin said it was just for a stride and Mr McNab didn’t lose more than half a length as a result.

In response, Mr Bosson reiterated the point made by Mr Goodwin, that it was only one stride where he moved in and hampered Mr McNab.

Decision:

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

Submission for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Goodwin produced Mr Bosson’s riding record:

24/3/23    Australia          11 days  (Group 1)

8/2/23    Cambridge        6 days

15/10/22 Hastings           6 weeks + $1000

12/10/22   Avondale       5 days

Mr Bosson has had 418 New Zealand rides in the past 12 months.

Mr Goodwin said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be low.  The incident occurred in a Group 3 Race so a fine was also appropriate.

Mr Bosson advised of riding commitments through until next Saturday April 22nd and sought a deferment of any suspension until after that date.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined Mr Bosson’s carelessness to be at the low end of the scale. Although Mr McNab was checked, the films showed Mr Bosson pulling his mount’s head out and away from that runner as soon as he realised there was a degree of tightening to his inside. Due to the early stage of the race that the incident occurred, it was unlikely to have affected the final placings. A starting point of 5 days was adopted which conforms with the NZTR Penalty Guide (as of February 2023).

Rule 920(2) empowers an Adjudicative Committee in imposing a penalty to have due regard to such matters as it considers appropriate including: (a) the Status of the Race; (b) the stake payable in respect of the Race; and / or (c) the consequences.  On this occasion due to the Group 3 status of the race, the Adjudicative Committee applied an uplift of 1 day. In addition, Mr Bosson earned $2,443 in stake money for winning the race.

Finally, the Adjudicative Committee acknowledged Mr Bosson’s admission of the breach and credited him 1 day.

After consideration of the above factors, a 5-day suspension and a $1000 fine were imposed.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted and his Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 5 days, commencing after racing on Saturday April 22nd and concluding after racing on Friday April 28th.