Cambridge JC 16 February 2023 – R3 – Kelsey Hannan

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 3 “The Harness Millions Tomorrow @ Cambridge Raceway 1300” Mr Simpson presented an Information charging Ms K Hannan, the Rider of “CATCH MY DRIFT” with careless riding in breach of Rule 638(1)(d).

Ms Hannan, assisted by Mr Harris, admitted the breach.

Ms Selvakumaran demonstrated the events from the head on and side on race films.  Ms Hannan’s mount was in the outside starting stall. It began well.  Over the next 200 metres it shifted in, in an endeavour to get handy but it was insufficiently clear of two horses, “WONKY DONKEY” and “IMPULSE CONTROL” which were hampered and had to be steadied.  “NIGELLA LANE” on the fence also had to be steadied and was hampered by the movement of Ms Hannan’s mount near the 1100 metres.

Mr Simpson expressed the opinion that the degree of carelessness was low/mid range.

Mr Harris, and Ms Hannan, submitted that she misjudged the degree of the angle which was taken when “CATCH MY DRIFT” angled across from the start.  Ms Hannan said she thought she was clear of the others and obviously was mistaken.

Decision:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Simpson advised that Ms Hannan has, over 12 months of riding, incurred 3 suspensions (for terms of 2 weeks, 3 weeks and 4 days), the last being on 27 October 2022.

The Adjudicative Committee accepted that the carelessness was not of a serious nature.

Mr Harris contended that Ms Hannan is the leading Apprentice in her first year of race riding.  She has rides, committed by her employer over the next 10 calendar days.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Adjudicative Committee takes into account the fact that from a total of 218 rides in her first year, with very considerable success, she has only 3 previous breaches of the Rule.  A period of suspension is necessary, but any fine on this Apprentice would be disproportionate.

Conclusion:

The Adjudicative Committee fixes a suspension of Ms Hannan’s licence to ride for 4 National Riding days.  This suspension is to commence at the conclusion of racing on 25 February 2023 and to end at the conclusion of racing on 4 March 2023.