Auckland TR 19 April 2025 – R4 – George Rooke

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 4, the Respondent Class A Rider Mr G Rooke, admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d). The Information alleged that as the Rider of LADY IRIS, he permitted his mount to shift outwards when not sufficiently clear of LITTLE BLACK DRESS, which was contacted and unbalanced near the 50 metres.

The Respondent 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 race films, Stipendiary Steward Mr Dooley demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned. He said that nearing the 50 metres, LADY IRIS was contesting the lead, with LITTLE BLACK DRESS (W Pinn) on its outer.  TOO SWEET (M HASHIZUME) was racing close up on the outside of LITTLE BLACK DRESS.

Mr Dooley said that Mr Rooke was riding forward and after switching his whip to his right hand, he struck his mount and it shifted out slightly.  He then struck his mount again and it shifted out abruptly, making firm contact with LITTLE BLACK DRESS.  Mr Pinn, the Rider of LITTLE BLACK DRESS, had to take hold of his mount after being checked.  TOO SWEET was also inconvenienced.  After rebalancing, LITTLE BLACK DRESS fought back and won the race by a narrow margin.  LADY IRIS finished second.  Mr Dooley added that LADY IRIS was never the required distance clear of LITTLE BLACK DRESS, when shifting ground.

In response, Mr Rooke said “I made a mistake, I should have pulled the whip back through to my left hand when my horse shifted.” 

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Oatham produced Mr Rooke’s riding record, which indicated two previous breaches from 390 rides since he commenced race riding in New Zealand in October 2024.  The most recent breach occurred on 6 March 2025 at Waverley RC.  This resulted in a 5 day suspension.   Mr Oatham said Stewards considered his record to be a neutral factor.

Mr Oatham said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the mid-range. He added that the breach occurred in a Black-Type (Listed) Race, with stake money of $100,000.  Mr Oatham recommended a fine in the vicinity of $450 be added to any proposed penalty.

Mr Rooke sought a deferment to any proposed suspension, until after racing on 26 April 2025.  He had nothing further to add.

Reasons for Penalty

After reviewing all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined Mr Rooke’s level of carelessness was in mid-range, leading to a starting point of a 7-day suspension.

The available footage showed that near the 50 metre mark, LADY IRIS commenced to lay out under pressure. Mr Rooke struck his mount once, and then attempted to correct his mount.  Shortly after, he struck his mount again and it shifted out, this time quite abruptly, making solid contact with LITTLE BLACK DRESS.  Mr Rooke was fortunate that the Rider of LITTLE BLACK DRESS was able to rebalance, it then got up and won the race.  Otherwise, had it not won, a protest may have been lodged by the connections of LITTLE BLACK DRESS.

This is Mr Rooke’s third breach of the Rule since October 2024, from 390 race rides, which is considered to be a better than neutral record, given his number of rides (390 rides equates to 1 breach every 130 rides).

A one day uplift is applied to the 7 day starting point in recognition of the (Listed) status of the race (Rule 920(2) refers).  Mr Rooke’s share of the stake in finishing second was $900.  Accordingly, a fine of $350 (about 40% of his share) was also imposed.

A one-day reduction is applied for Mr Rooke’s good record and his admission of the breach.

After considering all the above factors, a 7-day suspension, and $350 fine is imposed.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted and his Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 7 days, commencing after racing on 26 April 2025 and concluding after racing on 9 May 2025. In addition, a $350 fine is imposed.