Auckland TR 30 March 2024 – R6 – Sam Weatherley

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 6, the NZEA NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes Group 1, the Respondent Class A Rider Sam Weatherley admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that as the Rider of MARIA FARINA, he permitted his mount to drift inwards when insufficiently clear of MUSTANG VALLEY which was checked near 150m, also inconvenienced was “HI YO SASS BOMB”.

The Respondent acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his 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 L Selvakumaran demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned. She advised that Mr Weatherley was riding his mount forward and shifted inwards into the line of MUSTANG VALLEY. He continued to ride forward with the whip and Mr Doyle, the Rider of MUSTANG VALLEY, had to check his mount for a stride. She added that at the time of the shift, he was barely one length clear of MUSTANG VALLEY.

In response, Mr Weatherley stated that he believed MUSTANG VALLEY was “not going anywhere – and I’m going forward”. He said that although Mr Doyle had to take a hold of his mount, he has seen a lot worse.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Senior Stipendiary Steward B Jones produced the Respondent’s riding record which indicated 4  previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely:

1/4/23     Manawatu – 4 days (2x charges)

4/10/23   Tauranga – 5 days

18/11/23  Riccarton – 5 days

The Respondent has had 448 mounts in the past 12 months and was a busy Rider.

Stipendiary Steward B Jones said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low range, however given the breach occurred in a Group 1 Race worth $400,000, an uplift was required.

When asked whether he was seeking a deferment to any proposed suspension, Mr Weatherley advised that he had a dilemma as he had potential commitments at next week’s Group 1 Racing Meeting and also the possibility of riding in the Sydney Cup in 2 weeks time.

After further consideration, he advised that he would seek a deferment to any suspension until after racing on 6 April.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined Mr Weatherley’s carelessness to be in the low range and adopted a 5-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 allowed his mount to shift inwards while riding forward, causing some tightening to MUSTANG VALLEY, who’s Rider had to take a hold.

The Respondent’s riding record is treated as a neutral factor and this combined with his admission of the breach, affords Mr Weatherley a 1 day reduction from the starting point.

In accordance with Rule 920(2), a three-day uplift is applied due to the status of the race and the stakes payable.

After consideration of the above factors, a 7-day suspension was imposed.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted and his Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 7 days, commencing after racing on 6 April 2024 and concluding after racing on 18 April 2024.