Auckland TR 9 April 2025 – R4 – Kelly Myers

Evidence:

This charge arises from the running of Race 4.  Stipendiary Steward, Mrs Fisher filed an Information pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d) alleging that Class A Rider Ms K Myers (RICHARD FARRELL) permitted her mount to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of PORTRAIT which was checked near the 2100 metres.

Ms Myers admitted 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, Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr Oatham demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned; namely RICHARD FARRELL (K Myers) and PORTRAIT (M Cartwright).

Mr Oatham told the Adjudicative Committee that the field jumped from the 2200 metre start point.  He said that shortly after the start nearing the 2100 metres, RICHARD FARRELL, from barrier No 5, shifted inwards checking PORTRAIT, who jumped from barrier No 4.  Rider Mr Cartwright had to steady and pull off the heels of RICHARD FARRELL.  Mr Oatham added that the check received by PORTRAIT was not severe.

Ms Myers explained that she acknowledged not being the requisite distance clear of PORTRAIT during the crossing. However, she described the incident as “marginal” and stated that it did not significantly impact Mr Cartwright or his mount’s chances.

Decision:

As Ms Myers admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee found the charge proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mrs Fisher submitted that Ms Myers has one previous breach of the Rule within the past 12 months.  This having occurred on 13 December 2024 and resulted in a 4-day suspension.  She added that Ms Myers otherwise has an excellent riding record.

Mrs Fisher said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low range.

Ms Myers advised she had nothing further to add in relation to any proposed penalty and sought a deferment until after racing on 13 April 2025.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering the submissions and reviewing the race films, the Adjudicative Committee determined that Ms Myers’ carelessness was low-range and adopted a 5-day suspension as the starting point.

The available films clearly established that Ms Myers permitted her mount to shift inwards, checking PORTRAIT.  But it was noted that the shift was not abrupt, albeit Mr Cartwright did have to steady his mount after a slight check.

From the 5-day starting point, a one-day reduction was applied for Ms Myers’ admission of the breach and her very good riding record.

The Adjudicative Committee deemed a 4-day suspension to be an appropriate penalty.

Conclusion:

The Adjudicative Committee granted Ms Myers a deferment.  Accordingly, her Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 4 days, commencing after racing on 13 April 2025 and concluding after racing on 21 April 2025.