Canterbury JC 2 October 2021 – R11 – Megan Taylor

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

After Race 11, Racecourse Hotel and Motor Lodge Rating 74, Ms Taylor was charged that, as the Rider of SAIGON HOT NIGHT in the race, she rode carelessly in that she permitted her mount to shift in dictating LEITRIM LAD (Meghann Gestain) inwards onto ZOULUMINOUS (Rohan Mudhoo) which was crowded and checked passing the 1100 metres.

SUBMISSIONS:

Mr Davidson had Stipendiary Steward, Veronica Algar, show video replays of the incident with approximately 1000 metres to run. She pointed out the three runners involved – SAIGON HOT NIGHT, ridden by Ms Taylor, easing back from a 4-wide position, Meghann Gestain, riding LEITRIM LAD was racing one-out, inside of and just behind Ms Taylor and on her inner was ZOULUMINOUS (R Mudhoo) against the rail.

Ms Algar then showed  that Ms Taylor began to place pressure on Ms Gestain’s mount. Ms Gestain could then be seen looking to her inside, having called to Ms Taylor who continued to put pressure on her and take her mount inwards. Ms Gestain was forced to check and LEITRIM LAD was, in turn, crowded and checked. Ms Gestain was unable to relieve the pressure when Ms Taylor shifted in, Ms Algar said.

Mr Walsh said that Ms Taylor had done a very good job getting into the 3-wide position initially from being 4-wide. Unfortunately, when she got into that position, she thought she could shift in one more horse, probably being unaware that there was another runner on LEITRIM LAD’s inner.

Mr Blackadder said that Ms Taylor had told him, on returning to scale, that SAIGON HOT NIGHT was very tender in the mouth and hard to handle.

REASON FOR DECISION:

Ms Taylor having admitted the charge it is found proved accordingly

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Davidson said that Ms Taylor has limited experience, although she has been riding for a number of months. She has a previous breach involving a fall at Timaru on 16th July 2021 (suspended 4 weeks). Stewards saw this breach as being mid-range, ZOULUMINOUS  receiving a nasty check, Mr Davidson said. He submitted that credit should be given to Ms Taylor for her admission of the breach and her inexperience. The hearing was told she has had almost 60 rides.

Mr Davidson said that Ms Taylor had been slightly unlucky. When she first looked, ZOULUMINOUS was not there but it did improve quickly. Ms Taylor did relieve the pressure when she realised her mistake, but it was too late, he said.

Ms Taylor did not require a deferment of suspension.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

Having regard to all factors, the Adjudicator considers the level of carelessness to be in the mid-range. The NZTR Revised Penalty Guidelines prescribe a starting point for a mid-range breach of a 7-days suspension. The Adjudicator notes Ms Taylor’s inexperience and her admission of the breach as mitigating factors and gives discount of 1 day for them.

CONCLUSIONS:

Ms Taylor’s Class B Licence  is suspended from after the close of racing on 2nd October up to and including 13 October 2021 – 6 national riding days.