Banks Peninsula RC 12 February 2022 – R8 – Courtney Barnes

ID: RIB7343

Respondent(s):
Courtney Barnes - Jockey

Applicant:
Mark Davidson, Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Russell McKenzie

Information Number:
A16594

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Failing to ride out to finish

Rule(s):
636(1)(d) - Riding/driving infringement - Running Races

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
Wannabe ‘N’ Paris

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
12/02/2022

Race Club:
Banks Peninsula Racing Club

Race Location:
Riccarton Park - 165 Racecourse Road, Christchurch,

Race Number:
R8

Hearing Date:
12/02/2022

Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park, Christchurch

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Courtney Barnes suspended 6 days

FACTS:

Following the running of Race 8, C S Stevens Memorial Banks Peninsula Cup, Jockey Courtney Barnes admitted a charge alleging that she failed to ride her mount, WANNABE ‘N’ PARIS, out to the finish of the race. WANNABE ‘N’ PARIS had finished in 5th placing.

Rule 636(1)(d) provides:

A person being the Rider of a horse in a Race must ride his horse out to the end of the Race if there is a seasonable chance of it running into a position for which there is prize money to be awarded or a dividend to be declared.

Using the available video replays, Stipendiary Steward, Mark Davidson, showed that WANNABE ‘N’ PARIS, ridden by Courtney Barnes was racing in 4th position nearing the finishing line with MADAM SEQUOIA (Tanya Jonker) finishing on to its outside. He said that it was the allegation of Stewards that Miss Barnes had stopped riding two full strides before the line. MADAM SEQUOIA had “some weigh on” and got up to take 4th placing, the margin back to WANNABE ‘N’ PARIS being a head, Mr Davidson said. It was clear that Miss Barnes had not pushed right to the line, he submitted.

In response, the Respondent said that the track conditions had been very testing (Heavy 10). Horses had struggled in the conditions and the rail was out 11 metres, she said. She had misjudged the horse on her outside which was finishing wide, while she was on the rail.

DECISION:

As the Respondent, Courtney Barnes, admitted the breach the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved (Rule 915(1)(d) refers).

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Davidson referred to the Penalty Guide starting point of a 2-weeks suspension for a breach of the Rule involving 4th placing. He referred to the penalty of 2 weeks given to another Rider at Ruakaka on 9 February, when that Rider had failed to ride out from the 50 metres.

He highlighted a number of mitigating factors in the present case – Miss Barnes’ admission of the breach, the margin of a head and the fact that the rail was out 11 metres, which can deceive a Rider. Mr Davidson said that Miss Barnes has had 400 rides in the last 12 months and is a very busy Senior Rider – a very good Rider. She is based in the North Island, he said.

Miss Barnes sought a 7-days deferment to any proposed suspension in order to fulfil riding engagements at Invercargill on 19 February.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guide starting point for a breach of the Rule is a suspension of 2 weeks. Allowing Miss Barnes’ request for a deferment, a 2-weeks suspension would involve 9 national riding days.

After considering the video evidence and the submissions, the Adjudicative Committee is satisfied that there are compelling reasons to depart from the starting point as set out in the Penalty Guide. The mitigating factors highlighted by Mr Davidson are relevant – that is to say, her admission of the breach, the narrow margin involved, that Miss Barnes only stopped pushing for the final two strides and the fact that the rail was out. The very heavy track conditions and visibility issues, together with Miss Barnes’ excellent record are also factors. For a combination of all of those factors, Miss Barnes is entitled to a significant reduction in the Penalty Guide starting point, which the Adjudicative Committee fixes at 3 days.

After consideration of the above factors, a suspension of 6 days was imposed.

CONCLUSION:

The Respondent is granted a 7-days deferment. Her licence to ride in races is suspended for 6 national riding days from close of racing on 19 February until after close of racing on 2 March 2022.

Decision Date: 12/02/2022

Publish Date: 14/02/2022