Auckland TR 21 January 2024 – R7- Jessica Allen

ID: RIB38031

Respondent(s):
Jessica May Allen - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
Mr A Dooley - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr A Smith (Chair)

Persons Present:
L Selvakumaran - Stipendiary Steward, Ms P Gerard assisting Ms Allen

Information Number:
A19494

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Careless Riding

Rule(s):
638(1)(d) - Riding/driving infringement

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
DEVOTED

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
21/01/2024

Race Club:
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing

Race Location:
Pukekohe Park - 222/250 Manukau Road, Pukekohe Hill, Pukekohe, 2120

Race Number:
R7

Hearing Date:
21/01/2024

Hearing Location:
Pukekohe Park

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Jessica Allen is suspended for 4 days

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 7, the Respondent Apprentice Rider Jessica Allen admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that as the Rider of DEVOTED, she allowed her mount to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of LIQUID FIRE, which was forced into the running of ALL SHOOK UP, which had to be checked near the 2100m. Also hampered was PROMISED LAND.

The Respondent acknowledged she understood the Rule and confirmed her admission of the breach. Trainer Pam Gerard was present to assist.

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 L Selvakumaran demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

Stipendiary Steward L Selvakumaran said that soon after the start, Jessica Allen was in a 5 wide position with 4 horses to her inner. She said that while riding forward, Ms Allen looks to her inside and begins to cross the field while only 1 to 1.25 lengths clear of the runners to her inside. Mrs Selvakumaran said that as a result of the shift, LIQUID FIRE was forced inwards, causing ALL SHOOK UP to check off heels, and PROMISED LAND having to steady.

Ms Allen offered no comment in relation to the breach.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward A Dooley produced the Respondent’s riding record which was clear. This was Ms Allen’s first breach in 177 rides, an excellent record for an Apprentice Rider.

Stipendiary Steward A Dooley said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low-mid range.

The Respondent advised of riding engagements through until 27th of January and sought a deferment to any proposed suspension.

In terms of any proposed penalty, the Respondent asked if the Adjudicative Committee could take into consideration her very good record.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined Ms Allen’s carelessness to be in the low-mid range and adopted a 6-day (suspension) as the starting point. This conforms with the NZTR Penalty Guide (as of 1 March 2022).

The available films clearly established that the Respondent directed her mount inwards, when not the required distance clear of the runners to her inside. This caused tightening to a number of runners. While the shift itself was only deemed low, 3 runners were affected as a result.

From the 6 day starting point, the Adjudicative Committee have applied a 2 day discount to reflect Ms Allen’s admission of the breach and her excellent record.

After consideration of the above factors, a 4-day suspension was imposed.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted and her Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 4 days commencing after racing on 27 January 2024, and concluding after racing on 7 February 2024.

Decision Date: 21/01/2024

Publish Date: 23/01/2024