Auckland TR 24 October 2026 – R8 – Abhay Seesa

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 8, the Respondent, Mr Abhay Seesa (Apprentice Jockey), was charged with careless riding pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that as the Rider of JURISPRUDENCE, “he permitted his mount, to shift inward when not sufficiently clear of LUCKY FERRANDO (Ms S Collett), which was checked near the 175m”.  

Mr Walker, supporting the Respondent, acknowledged that he and Mr Seesa understood the Rule and confirmed the 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 M Davidson, demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned namely, JURISPRUDENCE (A Seesa) and LUCKY FERRANDO (S Collett).

Mr Davidson said that approaching the 175 metre mark, the Respondent has shifted ground onto LUCKY FERRANDO when insufficiently clear. JURISPRUDENCE moved in 2 to 3 horse widths and while Ms Collett’s mount was tiring, she had to check her mount. The incident was shown using the front, side and back on cameras.

Mr Walker, supporting Mr Seesa, agreed with the Stewards’ interpretation of the incident.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Jones produced the Respondent’s riding record, noting Mr Seesa had only started his Apprenticeship some 3 months ago and had had 15 rides in that time. This was his first offence. Mr Jones also noted that Mr Seesa had also held an Amateur Rider’s Licence prior to becoming an Apprentice and in his time as an Amateur, had a clear record under this Rule.

The Stewards considered the breach to be in the low range and the Adjudicative Committee could give consideration to the Rider being an Apprentice and his clear record as an Amateur.

The Respondent, through Mr Walker, advised that he wished to apply for a deferment for any penalty to apply until after racing on Tuesday 3 November, so he could meet existing riding engagements.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions and viewing the films, the Adjudicative Committee determined the Respondent’s carelessness to be in the low range and adopted a 5-day suspension as the starting point. This complies with the NZTR Penalty Guide.

The Respondent’s riding record is treated as a mitigating factor, having a clear record as an Amateur and to reflect his inexperience having just commenced his apprenticeship. For the clear record and admitting the charge, a one day reduction is applied. The penalty therefore, is set as a 4 day suspension.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted and his Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 4 days, commencing after racing on Tuesday 3 November 2026, up to and including racing on Sunday 8 November 2026 (4 national riding days).