Canterbury JC 16 September 2023 – R9 (heard 17 September 2023 at Te Rapa) – Ngakau Hailey

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 9 at the Riccarton Park Meeting on 16 September 2023, Apprentice Rider Ngakau Hailey admitted a charge of careless riding in that he permitted his mount MEHZEBEEN, to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of WEE TADGH, which was  checked near the 1100 metres.

Due to Mr N Hailey having travel commitments, he was unavailable and the charge was adjourned to be heard on 17 September 2023 at Te Rapa.

Accordingly, this charge was heard during the Waikato TR Meeting on 17 September 2023.  Mr Hailey confirmed his admission of the breach, and he was supported during the hearing by his employer, Trainer Mrs D Sweeney.

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, Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr Oatham demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

Mr Jones (Stipendiary Steward) pointed out that approaching the 1100-metre mark, Mr Hailey allowed his mount to shift inwards and in doing so, he continued to ride forward without taking corrective action.  He said that at the time of the shift, he was no more than 1 length clear of WEE TADGH (Kin Kwo).  As a consequence of the inward shift, Mr Jones said that WEE TADGH was crowded and checked. Mr Jones added there was a slight easing of the pace which could have contributed to the incident.

In response, Mrs Sweeney said that she had identified that the leader in the race had eased, which had put all Riders in behind, in a difficult position.

Decision:

As Mr Hailey admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee found the charge proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Oatham submitted that this is Mr Hailey’s third breach in a relatively short time.  His last breach occurred on 23 July 2023 and resulted in a 6 day suspension.  Mr Hailey has had 91 career raceday rides, and was relatively inexperienced.

Mr Oatham said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low range.

Mr Hailey sought a deferment to any proposed suspension to fulfill commitments. He had nothing further to add in relation to any proposed penalty.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering the submissions and reviewing the race film, the Adjudicative Committee determined Mr Hailey’s carelessness to be low range and adopted a 5-day (suspension) as the starting point. Mr Hailey’s record is below average, with this being his 3rd breach in only 90 rides. On that basis, the Adjudicative Commmittee cannot afford Mr Hailey a discount on the starting point.

The available films clearly established that Mr Hailey allowed his mount to shift in when less than one length clear of WEE TADGH, who was crowded and checked.

After considering Mr Hailey’s admission of the breach and the above factors, the Adjudicative Committee deemed that an appropriate suspension be 5 (national) days.

Conclusion:

The Adjudicative Committee granted Mr Hailey a deferment to his suspension. Accordingly, his Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 5 days, commencing after racing on the 24th of September and concluding after racing on the 1st of October 2023.