Auckland TR 7 May 2025 – R6 – Rihaan Goyaram

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 6, 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 GATE CRASHERS, he allowed his mount to shift outwards when not sufficiently clear of NEFFU, which was hampered near the 200 metre mark.

Mr 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.

Using the available race films, Stipendiary Steward Ms K Jillings demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned. She pointed out that nearing the 250 metres,  GATE CRASHERS (R Goyaram) was racing inside NEFFU (Mr J Doyle), the horses came together and Mr Goyaram straightened his horse. However, at the 200 metre point, he then rode GATE CRASHERS forward and the horse moved out, making contact with NEFFU, which was hampered. Mr Goyaram needed to have straightened his horse, once it commenced to move out.

Mr Harris agreed with the Stewards’ interpretation of the incident, which he considered to be low end interference, and he said that Mr Goyaram was just returning to riding and “ needs to slow down” and think before shifting ground.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward A Dooley produced Mr Goyaram’s riding record, which indicated 4 previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule, from 282 rides in the last 12 months.

12 December 2024 – 6 day suspension

8 December 2024 – 7 day suspension

27 October 2024  – 6 day suspension

20 October 2024  – 5 day suspension

As he is an Apprentice, the Stewards considered his record to be neutral, but another charge would mean it would be considered to be poor.

Mr Dooley added that Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be low end and Mr Goyaram should get credit for admitting the breach.

Neither Mr Goyaram nor Mr Harris had anything further to add.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined Mr Goyaram’s carelessness to be low range and adopted a 5-day (suspension) as the starting point, acknowledging that he won the race.

A one day reduction is applied for Mr Goyaram’s admission of the breach.

Having considered all of the factors, the Adjudicative Committee issued a 4 day suspension. Mr Goyaram requested and was granted a deferment of the penalty, until after racing on Saturday 10 May 2025.

Conclusion:

Mr Goyaram’s License to ride in races is suspended, commencing on 11 May and concluding after racing on Saturday 17 May 2025 inclusive.