Auckland TR 25 February 2026 – R5 – Rihaan Goyaram

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 5, the Respondent Class B Apprentice Rider R Goyaram admitted a charge of careless riding, which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d). The Information alleged that as the Rider of ABSOLUTELYFABULOUS, he allowed his mount to shift outwards when not sufficiently clear of ROSALINA, which was checked approaching the 200 metre mark.

M Goyaram acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach. He was assisted at the hearing by Mr N Harris (Northern Rider Mentor).

Rule 638(1)(d) provides:

A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.

EVIDENCE:

Using the available race films, Deputy Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr B Jones demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned.  Mr Goyaram riding ABSOLUTELYFABULOUS, ROSALINA ridden by G Rooke and VANITYGIRL ridden by S Collett.  He pointed out that approaching the 200 metres, ABSOLUTELYFABULOUS (R Goyaram) was initially held up and angled outwards away from VANITYGIRL (S Collett), shifting into the line of ROSALINA (G Rooke), when not sufficiently clear and causing Mr Rooke to check his mount. This cost ROSALINA any chance of finishing in a more favourable position.  In shifting outwards, Mr Goyaram was only 3/4 length clear of ROSALINA.

Mr Goyaram had nothing to add. In support, Mr Harris agreed with the Stewards’ interpretation of the incident, and he said that Mr Goyaram had shifted outwards overreacting and took ROSALINA’S line.

DECISION:

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

SUBMISSIONS TO PENALTY:

Stipendiary Steward A Dooley produced Mr Goyaram’s riding record, which indicated 5 previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule, from 371 rides in the last 12 months.

6 February 2026 – 5 day suspension

1 October 2025 – 4 weeks suspension (careless riding causing a fall)

23 August 2025 – 5 day suspension

6 July 2025 – 5 day suspension

7 June 2025 – 4 day suspension

The Stewards considered Mr Goyaram’s record be rated as poor. Mr Dooley added that Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be mid range, as his mount shifted 3 horse widths and extinguished the chances of ROSALINA.

Mr Goyaram had nothing further to add, but requested a deferment of any proposed suspension until after Sunday 1 March.  Mr Harris commented that a return to Apprentice School was recommended, to reset his riding skills.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined Mr Goyaram’s carelessness to be mid range and adopted a 7-day (suspension) as the starting point. A one day reduction is applied for Mr Goyaram’s admission of the breach, but a one day uplift was added to reflect Mr Goyaram’s poor record.

Having considered all of the factors, the Adjudicative Committee issued a 7 day suspension. Mr Goyaram’s request for a deferment of penalty was granted, from after racing on Sunday 1 March, to after racing on Thursday 12 March 2026.

CONCLUSION:

Mr Goyaram’s License to ride in races is suspended, commencing on 2 March 2026 and concluding after racing on Thursday 12 March 2026.