Banks Peninsula RC 4 February 2026 – R9 (heard 18 February 2026 at Riccarton) – Leah Hemi

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 9, Jockey Miss Leah Hemi signed an Information with intention to defend a careless riding charge alleged by Stipendiary Steward Rebecca Haley. The hearing of the charge was adjourned sine die as the Stewards’ witness was unavailable due to a flight schedule. The hearing was proceeded with on this day, 18 February 2026 at Riccarton Park, with Stipendiary Steward Mr Mark Davidson acting as the Informant.

EVIDENCE:

Mr Davidson had Stipendiary Steward Mrs Fisher identify Miss Hemi riding PRIVATE TREATY and Miss Hercock riding SIR SIGARO, contesting the lead at approximately the 1800m.

Mrs Fisher pointed to Miss Hemi shift down into Miss Hercock’s running line, tightening and checking Miss Hercock, before relieving that pressure. Mrs Fisher then showed Miss Hemi again take Miss Hercock’s line, resulting in another check to SIR SIGARO.

Mr Davidson called Miss Hercock as the Stewards’ witness. Miss Hercock said she was over racing and received pressure from Miss Hemi on her outside. She said she called to Miss Hemi who relieved the pressure, but 100m further down the track, she received a similar check from Miss Hemi.

Mr Davidson asked how far in front Miss Hemi was before she shifted in. Miss Hercock said only a length and the second time, maybe a fraction more.

Miss Hemi said she didn’t believe she had crossed Miss Hercock and asked Miss Hercock to confirm she hadn’t. Miss Hercock said she was definitely crossed, as she was galloping between the legs of PRIVATE TREATY.

Miss Hemi said SIR SIGARO has had 20 starts and Stewards have commented, he has over raced with his head in the air, in half of those starts. Miss Hemi was adamant she hadn’t fully crossed Miss Hercock’s mount.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

The video evidence was compelling, showing Miss Hemi was not her length and another clear, both times she rode into the line of Miss Hercock.

The Adjudicative Committee agrees SIR SIGARO was difficult to control, however, it is the responsibility of Miss Hemi to be her length and another clear before shifting in. The evidence by Miss Hercock, supported by the video, confirms the two checks to SIR SIGARO were the result of Miss Hemi’s misjudgment.

DECISION:

The Charge was found to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Davidson said Miss Hemi has two previous breaches on record.

19 December 2025 at Reefton – 4 days.

7 January 2026 at Levin – 4 days.

Mr Davidson said the Stewards’ assessment of the breach is at low-mid range.

Miss Hemi wished to defer any proposed suspension for 10 days.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines provide a starting point suspension of 6 days, mid – low range. Miss Hemi has chosen to defend this charge as is her right, however, the Adjudicative Committee sees some mitigation regarding SIR SIGARO being difficult to restrain and considers a 5-day suspension to be appropriate for Miss Hemi, as a regular Rider here in the South Island and the Central Districts.

CONCLUSION:

Deferment is granted and Jockey Leah Hemi is suspended from the conclusion of racing on 28 February, up to and including racing on 7 March 2026.