Auckland TR 11 November 2021 – R4 – Alyssa Schwerin

Evidence:

This charge arises from the running of Race 4, a rating 86 1100m event. Stipendiary Steward, Mr Williamson filed an Information pursuant to Rule 636(1)(d) alleging that Ms Schwerin failed to ride her mount out to the end of the race when there was a reasonable chance of running 3rd.”

Ms Schwerin acknowledged she understood the Rule and confirmed her admission of the breach.

Using the available race films Mr Williamson demonstrated the incident and identified Ms Schwerin and her mount BREEZON.

Mr Williamson said that about 30 metres from the finish line Ms Schwerin relaxed her ride and was overtaken by MAKTOUM who finished in 3rd position. Mr Williamson said that the margin between 3rd and 4th was a head.

In response Ms Schwerin said that she thought she had been swamped by the outside horse but after seeing the video conceded she had failed to ride out to the finish.

Decision:

As Ms Schwerin admitted the breach the Committee found the charge proved.

Submission For Penalty:

Ms Selvakumaran said that Ms Schwerin had a clear record in relation to the Rule, and that the Guidelines provided for a penalty of a 3 week suspension.

Ms Schwerin sought clarity as to when any proposed suspension may commence and also asked about national riding days.

Reasons For Penalty:

When considering a penalty regarding a charge of this nature a Committee would generally only issue a suspension in line with the Penalty Guide. In this particular instance, there is no clarity as to when racing in the North may continue in either a pop-up fashion (as per today’s meeting) or an ongoing capacity. Clearly, a suspension on its own would be a penalty of no consequence and on that basis the Committee needs to consider both a suspension and small monetary fine to balance these factors.

Having considered, the nature of the breach, Ms Schwerin’s record and the impact of Covid on Northern Riders the Committee believes an appropriate penalty is a 2 week suspension and a fine of $100.

Penalty:

The Committee imposes a 2 week suspension commencing immediately,  calculated from after racing on the 14th of November and concluding after racing on the 28th of November. In addition we impose a $100 fine.

The following race meetings were not included in the suspension as Rider declarations had closed.

Awapuni 12th November

Tauranga 13th November

Waverley 14th November