Avondale JC 12 October 2022 – R2 – Opie Bosson

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 2, the Respondent Class A Rider Mr Bosson admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that as the Rider of THE HIGH PRIESTESS he permitted his mount to shift outwards when not sufficiently clear of SMUG (T Thornton) which was checked near the 300 metres. 

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 Mr Dooley demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned. He said that early in the run home, THE HIGH PRIESTESS was held up for a run. Approaching the 400-metre mark, Mr Bosson angled THE HIGH PRIESTESS outward into the running line of SMUG who was checked.  At the time of the shift, Mr Bosson’s mount was barely a neck clear of SMUG who was checked.

In response, the Mr Bosson stated that KEREOPA, who was in front of his mount, shifted ground outwards at the same time that he shifted. He had nothing further to add.

Decision:

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

Submission for Penalty:

Mr Jones produced Mr Bosson’s riding record which indicated two previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely:

13/11/21 Riccarton 7-day suspension + $1500 (Group 1)

19/02/22 Auckland 5-day suspension

Mr Jones submitted that Mr Bosson has a good record under the Rule having had 311 race rides during the past 12 months. He said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be around the mid-range.

Mr Bosson sought a deferment to any proposed suspension until after racing on 22 October 2022.  He asked that his good record be taken into consideration.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering the submissions and race film evidence, the Adjudicative Committee determined the Respondent’s carelessness to be low to mid-range and adopted a 6-day (suspension) as the starting point.

The available films established that the Respondent clearly shifted out when no more than a neck clear of SMUG who, as a result was checked.   The Adjudicative Committee also noted that the two horses in front of Mr Bosson’s mount when he shifted, namely KEREOPA (M Cropp) and DAYDREAM BELIEVER (D Danis) also shifted out slightly.  Although the shift of both these horses to some extent mitigates Mr Bosson’s culpability, ultimately, he forced a run when barely a neck clear of SMUG.  Moreover, Mr Bosson was obliged to be his own length and one other when shifting ground. However, because of the mitigating factors, his carelessness is assessed as being in the low to mid-range as opposed to mid-range.

The Respondent has a good riding record under the Rule; accordingly, a 1-day reduction was applied to the 6-day starting point for his combined admission of the breach and record.

After consideration of the above factors, a 5 -day suspension was imposed. Mr Bosson is granted a deferment.

Conclusion:

Mr Bosson’s license to ride in races is suspended for a period of 5 (national) days commencing after racing on 22 October 2022 and concluding after racing on 29 October 2022.