Auckland TR 22 February 2023 – R10 – Jake Bayliss

EVIDENCE

Following the running of Race 10, Class A Rider Mr J Bayliss admitted a charge filed under the provisions of Rule 636(1)(d) alleging that he failed to ride his mount (VHAGAR) out to the end of the race, when there was a reasonable chance of finishing in a higher placing.

Mr Bayliss said that he understood the Rule and the nature of the charge.

Mr Dooley used the race films of the concluding stages of the race to demonstrate the breach.  He pointed out that passing the 75-metre mark, VHAGAR was clearly in 5th place.  At that point, Mr Bayliss relaxed and stood up.  SANTENAY, who was finishing strongly on the outside ran past VHAGAR and crossed the line in 5th place.

Mr Dooley said that VHAGAR finished 6th and Stewards firmly believed that had Mr Bayliss ridden out with more vigour over the concluding stages, there was a reasonable likelihood it would have finished 5th.  He said the margin between 5th and 6th was a head, and the difference in stake money between the 5th and 6th was $200.

In response, Mr Bayliss said that his mount had pulled hard during the race, and he accepted that he should have ridden more strongly to the finish line, but on this occasion, he had been “caught out” by the horse (SANTENAY) who finished the race off on his outer.

DECISION

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

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY

Mrs Selvakumaran submitted that Mr Bayliss has not previously breached the Rule. She said that the Penalty Guide provides for a fine of $300 in circumstances where there was a reasonable chance of finishing in 5th place.

Mr Bayliss added that he was tired having had 10 race rides on the card.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

The race films clearly demonstrate that Mr Bayliss eased his mount and stood up over the concluding stages of the race, when there was a reasonable chance of his mount finishing 5th had he ridden his mount out fully to the finish.  It is uncharacteristic of Mr Bayliss, who is generally a strong Rider at the end of a race, to relax his ride close to the finish.  He submitted that he was tired having ridden in all 10 races on the card.  The Adjudicative Committee accepts that fatigue inevitably may set in, in circumstances of high temperatures and humidity, as it was on the day. It is therefore understandable that having had 10 rides in such conditions, may well take a toll on him and from a Rider’s welfare and safety perspective, such circumstances need to be monitored.

Punters were not disadvantaged, but the breach did cost the connections of  VHAGAR $200 in potential stake earnings.

CONCLUSION

The Penalty Guide starting point provides for a fine of $300.  Accordingly, under the circumstances a fine of $300 is imposed.