Canterbury JC 7 May 2022 – R4 – Jacob Lowry

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 4, the Respondent Class A Rider Mr Jacob Lowry admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that as the Rider of NOBLE KNIGHT  “he allowed his mount to shift in dictating LORD DARCI and YAMUNA inwards onto HEY SOUL SISTER who was crowded and checked passing the 1400 metres”. 

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 Mr Mark Davidson demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

Stipendiary Steward Mr Davidson said that approaching the 1400 metre mark the Respondent has shifted ground inwards dictating the racing line of two horses and the resultant check to HEY SOUL SISTER was very clear causing it to lose several lengths.

In response, the Respondent stated the damage was done early and he had straightened his horse but it was obviously too late.

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 Mr Lowry’s riding record which indicated two previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely 21 October last year and 12 February 2022 receiving 5 and 4 days suspension respectively.

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

The Respondent advised of riding engagements through until 11 May and sought a deferment to any proposed suspension.

In terms of any proposed penalty, the Respondent made no submissions.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions the Adjudicative Committee determined the Respondent Mr Lowry’s carelessness to be in the mid-range and adopted a  7-day suspension as the starting point. This conforms with the NZTR Penalty Guide (as of 1 March 2022).

The available films clearly established that the Respondent has tightened and checked runners on his inside resulting in a serious check to HEY SOUL SISTER.

The Respondent’s riding record is treated as a neutral factor and a 1-day reduction was applied to the 7-day starting point for his admission of the breach.

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 11 May and concluding after racing on 19 May 2022.