Auckland TR 6 September 2025 – R8 – Bruno Queiroz

Background:

Following the running of Race 8, the ‘Kingmakers Syndication 1300’ an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d). Details are as follows:

‘In that he permitted his mount to shift outwards when not sufficiently clear of Overdrawn which was checked near the 400 metres’.

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 to the Adjudicative Committee that he understood the Rule and admitted the breach.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards identified the incident and horses involved. As the field approached the turn, MOVING MELODY was positioned 3 back against the fence, with OVERDRAWN (Mr Rory Hutchings), within a length behind to its outside. The Respondent is seen to quickly look to his outside, before angling his mount out. In doing so, he is insufficiently clear of OVERDRAWN, who is checked as a result. Stewards contended that the Respondent was only 3/4 of a length clear when looking to move. At this point, the affected horse was also looking to move into the race, with the resultant ‘momentum’ check costing 2-3 lengths. MOVING MELODY finished 3rd in the event and OVERDRAWN 8th.

Mr Queiroz commented that his horse was travelling and that when he looked to move, the horse reacted quicker and to a greater extent than anticipated. He also added that this was only the 2nd time (day) he had ridden right-handed.

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 last twelve months. There was one noted, that being on 2 August 2025 at Riccarton, where Mr Queiroz for suspended for 8 days and fined $250. Same was a mid-range careless breach, with an uplift and imposition of a fine, reflecting the status of the race – the Group 3 Winter Cup.  Mr. Queiroz has had 171 rides within the last twelve months, since relocating to New Zealand.

Stewards contended that the breach sat mid-range. The Adjudicative Committee was referred to the current NZTR Penalty Guide. The Respondent did not comment as to penalty, although did ask that any suspension be deferred until completion of racing on 13 September 2025.

Reasons for Penalty:

On balance, the Adjudicative Committee determined that the breach represented a low to mid-range careless ride. The Respondent was insufficiently clear when moving, with same at a critical time of the race. Both horses were travelling well at the time of the incident. The check, although not sharp, did affect the chances of OVERDRAWN. Interestingly, this horse upon recovering from the check, did finish the race out strongly.

The current NZTR Penalty Guide provides for a starting point of a 5-day suspension – low range careless and a 7-day suspension – mid range careless.  A 6-day suspension was adopted as the starting point. Acknowledging Rider record (at best neutral) and ready admission, this was deemed the appropriate penalty. Deferment of suspension was granted, with suspension to take effect from close of racing on 13 September 2025.

Conclusion: