Auckland TR 26 December 2025 – R6 – Opie Bosson

Background:

Following the running of Race 6, the Group 2 ‘Jimmy Schick Shaw’s Auckland Guineas’, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d). Details are as follows:

‘in that he allowed his mount permitted his mount to shift outwards when not sufficiently clear of ‘AFFIRMATIVE ACTION (M Dee), which was checked over the concluding stages’ 

Rule 638(1)(d) provides:

(1) A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be:

(d) careless.

The Respondent confirmed that he understood the Rule, the nature of the charge and admitted the breach.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards identified the incident and horses involved. Approaching the 200 metre mark, the Respondent’s mount was positioned some 2/3 horse widths from the fence and was leading the field. At the 100 metre mark, the horse begins to roll out. At this point, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION (Mr Dee) and WELL WRITTEN (Mr Cartwright), are further out. The Respondent’s mount continues to roll out. At the 50 metre mark, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION is checked, with Mr Dee forced to take hold. Stewards contended that at no point, did Mr Bosson attempt to straighten his mount. He was not the required distance clear of AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, when allowing his mount to continue to move, thus effecting the check. When asked for comment, Mr Bosson readily admitted his error, but expressed concern as to the actions of Mr Cartwright, in allowing an initial inward movement by his mount.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stewards outlined the Respondent’s record as it relates to any breach of this particular Rule, within the 12-month reference period. There were two noted namely:

Matamata RC 4 October 2025 – 5 day suspension (low/mid range)

Waikato TR 13 December 2025 – 5 day suspension (low/mid range)

Mr Bosson has had approximately 160 rides since resuming. Stewards contended the breach ‘sat’ low range and referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current Penalty Guide. Mr Bosson sought deferral of any suspension, until after racing on 3rd January 2026.

Reason for Penalty:

The incident is satisfactorily identified through film. The initial movement by the Respondent’s mount, although marked, is not of concern, as the horse was sufficiently clear of runners. It is only 50 metres from the post, where correction was required, that the breach occurred. It is also acknowledged that both AFFIRMATIVE ACTION and WELL WRITTEN had moved significantly, with their actions contributing to the incident.

The Adjudicative Committee was satisfied that the degree of carelessness sat low to mid-range.  The current Penalty Guide provides a starting point for low-range careless at a 5-day suspension and mid-range careless, a 7-day suspension. A 6-day suspension was adopted as the starting point. An uplift of 2 days was applied to reflect Race status, with a reduction of 1 day applied to reflect ready admission of the breach. Current record was seen as neutral. A 7 day suspension was thus adopted. HE WHO DARES finished 2nd in the event, earning a stake of $49,950.  As is now accepted, in Black Type Races, a fine approximating 25% of the Jockey’s share of the stake may be imposed, in addition to any suspension. This is calculated to be $624.37, with a fine of $600 deemed appropriate. Mr Bosson’s request for deferment is granted.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 7 NR days, from the close of racing on 3rd January 2026, up to and including 11th January 2026. In addition, a fine of $600 is imposed