Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 15 January 2025 – R7 – Ulrika Holmquist

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Following the running of Race 7, an Information was filed by Stipendiary Steward, Mr Mark Davidson, against Jockey Ms Ulrika Holmquist, alleging careless riding, in that she permitted her mount EL ULTIMO to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of another runner, which was crowded and checked approaching the 50 metre mark.

Rule 638(1)(d) reads as follows;

“(1) A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be:

    (d) careless”

Ms Holmquist had indicated on the Information that this breach of the Rules was admitted, which she confirmed at the hearing. Ms Holmquist also acknowledged that she understood the charge and the Rule it was brought under.

SUBMISSIONS:

Mr Davidson, with the assistance of Mr Oatham, used the race films to show the incident. Mr Oatham said that Ms Holmquist was positively riding her horse home, but that it began moving inwards.  He said the horse likely moved a couple of horse widths inwards, before she then took the rein and straightened it. As a result of the movement, another runner lost momentum, affecting its chances in the race.

Ms Holmquist explained to the Adjudicative Committee, that her horse was quite green and it had been tiring. She said she had attempted to keep her horse straight, but that her timing was off, given that it had already shifted inwards before she then straightened it up. Further she explained, there had also been movement from the inside runners, which had contributed to the incident. The Stewards agreed with this.

DECISION:

As Ms Holmquist had admitted the breach, the charge was found to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY:

Mr Davidson said Ms Holmquist had one relevant prior breach of this Rule.

• Feb 2024 where 6 days was imposed for a mid-range breach

There was some discussion about the level of the breach, however, the Stewards ultimately submitted it was a low range breach. Mr Davidson said that Ms Holmquist should receive credit for her good record, her guilty plea, as well as favor in that she rides in both Islands.

Ms Holmquist asked that the Adjudicative Committee consider the racing manners of the horse and that she had been trying to keep her mount straight. Further, that she had admitted the charge and had a good record.

Ms Holmquist sought a deferment.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee agrees that this breach is within the low range in terms of the level of carelessness. Accordingly, the starting point adopted is a 5 day suspension.

A discount of 1 day is appropriate, to reflect her frank admission of the breach and good record. Accordingly, a suspension of four days is appropriate.

CONCLUSION:

Ms Holmquist is suspended for 4 days, from the close of racing on 18 January 2025, up to and including 23 January 2025.