Avondale JC 2 April 2022 – R7 – Darren Danis

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 7 Class A Rider Darren Danis admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that as the Rider of “SUPER SID he allowed his mount to shift out when not sufficiently clear of DIONYSUS (S Spratt) which was impeded in the final straight”. 

Mr Danis 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.

The incident that gave rise to this charge was the subject of a protest which was upheld.  Parties were therefore familiar with the race films concerning this breach.

Using the available race films Stipendiary Steward, Mr B Jones demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

Mr Jones said that SUPER SID was in or near the lead from the 300 metres, and from that point to the winning post it shifted out an estimated 7 or 8 horse widths.  He said that DIONYSUS was racing behind SUPER SID and seeking to angle out for a run, but Mr Danis continued to ride forward and inconvenienced DIONYSUS several times.  He pointed out that SUPER SID bumped into DIONYSUS near the 50-metre mark and at no stage did Mr Danis straighten his mount.  SUPER SID finished in second place, a nose in front of DIONYSUS who finished in third place.

In response, Mr Danis said that he had nothing to add.

Decision:

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

Submission for Penalty:

Mr Williamson advised that the Respondent has a very good record having not breached the Careless Riding Rule in the past 12 months.

Mr Williamson said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low range, but the fact that his mount was relegated is an aggravating factor. He invited the Adjudicative Committee to take into account when assessing penalty, the impact that Covid-19 is currently having on Rider availability.

The Respondent did not seek a deferment to any proposed suspension.  He offered no submissions as to penalty.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering the submissions, the Adjudicator determined the Respondent’s carelessness to be in the low to mid-range which has a starting point of a 6-day (suspension). This conforms with the NZTR Penalty Guide (as of 1 March 2022).

Mr Danis continued to ride forward whilst his mount drifted outward 6 to 8 horse widths.  He had ample opportunity to stop riding and straighten his mount.  Had he paused and straightened, he may have limited interference to DIONYSUS.  It is an aggravating factor that as a result of his carelessness, his mount was relegated.  Accordingly, a one-day uplift is applied to the 6-day starting point.

After taking into account the Respondent’s very good riding record, his admission of the breach and the fact that currently Rider availability is being impacted due to Covid-19, a 2-day reduction is applied to the starting point.

After consideration of the above factors, a 5-day suspension is imposed.

Conclusion – Penalty:

Mr Danis’ Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 5 days commencing after racing on 2 April 2022 and concluding after racing on 9 April 2022.