Canterbury JC 7 May 2022 – R8 – Samantha Wynne

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 8, the Respondent Class A Rider Samantha Wynne denied a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that as the Rider of AQUATTACK “she angled her mount outward forcing CAPO DELL IMPERO out onto KAARERAWAY who was checked and lost ground passing the 300 metres”. 

The Respondent acknowledged she understood the Rule and confirmed her denial 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 Mark Davidson demonstrated the incident from all the available angles and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

Mr Davidson said that approaching the 300-metre mark the Respondent has shifted ground forcing a run that was not available to her, the consequences of which have resulted in CAPO DELL IMPERO (J Lowry) being forced outward checking KAARERAWAY ( L Allpress).

Chief Steward Mr Oatham called Lisa Allpress as the Steward’s witness and her account of the incident was that she was a beaten runner as the inside horses crossed in front of her mount. She said she did have to check her horse but it had run its race.

Mr Oatham called Jacob Lowry as Steward’s witness and in response to Mr Oatham’s question confirmed Ms Wynne, with approximately a neck advantage, had forced his mount outwards onto Ms Allpress.

In response, the Respondent stated her horse was travelling well and when she made the decision to angle to the outside her mount got up on the heels of the horse in front of her. She said Ms Allpress’ horse was battling and had it been finishing stronger, would not have been affected by her manoeuvre.

Miss Wynne said in retrospect she should have gone to the inside for a run but it was tight there also, and said she genuinely thought she had ridden competitively not carelessly.

Mr Oatham, in summing up, said Ms Wynne should have accepted if a run wasn’t available to her, she should have chosen to take a hold of her mount. He said had Ms Wynne waited for just a few strides a gap presented itself. He said Ms Wynne made a conscious decision to ride outwards and any suggestion she was up on heels is because she has put herself into that position. At the end of the day safety is and should be the first concern.

Reasons for Decision:

The Adjudicative Committee carefully considered all the evidence available to it. The various video angles clearly show what has happened at the 300 metres. Ms Wynne’s contention she has only ridden competitively would have been correct had it not been for the obvious check suffered by KAARERAWAY.

Decision:

The Adjudicative Committee find the charge proved.

Submission for Penalty:

Chief Steward Mr Oatham produced the Respondent, Sam Wynne’s, riding record which indicated one previous breach under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely at Riccarton on 6 November 21 where an above mid-range breach incurred a suspension of 7 days.

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

The Respondent advised of riding engagements through until 15 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 Sam Wynne’s carelessness to be in the low/mid-range and adopted a 6-day suspension as the starting point. This conforms with the NZTR Penalty Guide (as of 1 March 2022).

The available videos clearly established the Respondent has crossed the fine line of competitive/careless riding.

There were no aggravating or mitigating factors to consider departing from the Penalty Guidelines.

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

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted and her licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 6 days commencing after racing on 15 May and concluding after racing on 26 May 2022.