Auckland TR 7 March 2026 – R8 – George Rooke

Evidence:

This charge arises from the running of Race 8, the Group 1 HKJC World Pool NZ Derby 2400. Chief Stipendiary Steward, Mr J Oatham filed an Information pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d) alleging the Rider of ROAD TO PARIS (G Rooke), permitted his mount to shift ground inwards inside the final 150 metres when not sufficiently clear causing interference to AUTUMN GLORY and GENEVA.

Mr Rooke acknowledged that 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 all of the available race films, Deputy Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr B Jones demonstrated the breach and identified the horses and Riders involved in the incident, namely ROAD TO PARIS, AUTUMN GLORY (W Pinn), and GENEVA (B Thompson).

Mr Jones pointed out that nearing the 200 metres, AUTUMN GLORY was racing on the inside of ROAD TO PARIS and both horses were wide on the track. In the run to the line, from the 150 metres, ROAD TO PARIS commenced to shift in on AUTUMN GLORY, who in turn was forced on to GENEVA. Also inconvenienced was THAT’S GOLD (S Collett). Mr Pinn had to take a strong hold of his mount and Mr Thompson had to change ground. The checks suffered by both these runners was in the final 50 metres of the race.

Mr Jones said that when ROAD TO PARIS commenced to shift in, it was no more than a neck to ½ length clear of AUTUMN GLORY.

ROAD TO PARIS won the race, AUTUMN GLORY and GENEVA finished in second and third, respectively.

By way of explanation, Mr Rooke said that although he crossed AUTUMN GLORY, the incident “wasn’t as bad as it looked” and it occurred three strides prior to the finish.

Decision:

As Mr Rooke admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee found the charge proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Oatham submitted that Mr Rooke has a poor riding record under the Rule. He said that he has incurred eight previous careless riding breaches during the past 12 months, from 498 rides. His most recent breach occurred on 31 January 2026 and resulted in a 7-day suspension.

Mr Oatham said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be above mid-range.

He said that aggravating factors included the status of the race (Group 1) and the $750,000 stake payable to the race winner, ROAD TO PARIS ridden by Mr Rooke. Also, because the breach occurred in a ‘Black Type’ Race, a percentage of Mr Rooke’s share of the stake earned, should be added to any proposed penalty by way of a fine.

Mr Rooke advised that he could commence any proposed suspension immediately.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering the submissions and reviewing the race film, the Adjudicative Committee determined Mr Rooke’s carelessness to be above mid-range and adopted an 8-day (suspension) as the starting point.

The available films clearly established that Mr Rooke allowed his mount to shift into AUTUMN GLORY, when not the required distance clear of that horse. He continued to dictate AUTUMN GLORY for some distance, causing Mr Pinn to take evasive action off the heels of ROAD TO PARIS. Mr Rooke had an obligation to stop riding forward when his mount commended to shift in. It was also noted that two other horses were affected to varying degrees, as a result of the incident.

From the 8-day starting point, in accordance with Rule 920(2), a three-day uplift is applied due to the Group 1 status of the race and the stakes payable. In consideration of Mr Rooke’s very poor record, a further two-day uplift is applied. One day is deducted for his admission of the breach. The result being a 12-day suspension.

In addition, and as per the NZTR Guidelines for Whip Rule and Careless Riding breaches, a fine of $10,000 is imposed due to the breach having occurred in a Black Type Race. Mr Rooke’s share of the stakes was about $37,500. For the sake of clarity, the relevant Guidelines concerning the fine to be imposed provide that:

Fines to be added as a percentage of the Jockey’s share of stake earned by their mount where the offence occurs in any Black- type race, Prestige Jumping race or major race.

After considering the above factors, the Adjudicative Committee deemed a 12-day suspension and $10,000 fine to be appropriate in the circumstances.

This incident gave rise to a protest being instigated by the connections of both AUTUMN GLORY and GENEVA. After considering the evidence, both protests were dismissed.

Conclusion:

Accordingly, Mr Rooke’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 12 days, commencing after racing on 7 March 2026 and concluding after racing on 27 March 2026. In addition, a fine of $10,000 is imposed.