Canterbury JC 17 September 2022 – R4 – Brandon May

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 4 , the Respondent, Class A Rider Brandon May, admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that as the Rider of GLOBAL BEAUTY he allowed his mount to shift inwards when not clear of WHERE’S WALLY and HAGGLE which were both crowded shortly after the start. 

The Respondent 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.

Using the available race films Stipendiary Steward, Veronica Algar, demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

Stipendiary Steward Ms Algar said that shortly after the start, the Respondent has shifted ground inwards when not sufficiently clear of WHERES WALLY and HAGGLE, causing both horses to be crowded and take evasive action.

In response, the Respondent stated that the horse drawn directly inside him was slow away and he assumed that he had room to shift inwards. He admitted that he had misjudged where the 2 horses affected where positioned.

Decision:

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

Submission for Penalty:

Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr Oatham produced the Respondent’s riding record which indicated 3 previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely 17 September 2021 at Ascot Park – 6 Days, 21 December 2021 at Ashburton – 6 Days and 25 February 2022 at Riccarton – 5 Days.

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

The Respondent advised of riding engagements through until 23 September 2022 and sought a deferment to any proposed suspension.

In terms of any proposed penalty the Respondent elected to make no submissions.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined the Respondent’s carelessness to be in the low range and adopted a 5-day (suspension) as the starting point.

The Respondent’s riding record is treated as a neutral factor and a 1-day reduction was applied to the 5-day starting point for his admission of the breach and record.

Due to the requirement that at least 1 South Island day be part of any penalty for South Island Riders, the Adjudicative Committee determined that a 6 day suspension was an appropriate penalty, that 1 South Island day being Riccarton on 1 October 2022.

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

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is  granted, and his  licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 6 days, commencing after racing on 23 September 2022 and concluding after racing on 1 October 2022.