Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 25 February 2022 – R4 – Brandon May

Following the running of Race 4, the Respondent Class A Rider Mr 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 AREYOUOKAY, permitted his mount to shift inwards passing the 400m when not sufficiently clear of TRUTHBETOLD.  

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 V Algar demonstrated the incident, with the assistance of Chief Stipendiary Steward, Mr J Oatham and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

Stipendiary Steward Ms Algar said that approaching the 400m the Respondent has shifted ground inwards when not clear of TRUTHBETOLD, ridden by Mr Joe Kamaruddin, who was checked.

In response, the Respondent stated that he had misjudged his movement.

Decision:

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

Submission for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Ms V Algar produced the Respondent, Mr May’s, riding record which indicated 2 previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely 17 November 2021 – Southland (6 day suspension) and 21 December 2021 – Ashburton (6 day suspension).

Stipendiary Steward Ms V Algar said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low range.

The Respondent advised of riding engagements through until 5 March 2021 at Otago and sought a deferment to any proposed suspension.

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

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined the Respondent, Mr May’s carelessness to be in the low range and adopted a 5-day (suspension) as the starting point. This conforms with the NZTR Penalty Guide (as of 1 September 2021).

The Respondent’s riding record is treated as an aggravating factor and a 1-day uplift was applied to the 5-day starting point. For his admission of the breach and record, a combined discount of 1 day was applied.

After consideration of the above factors a 5-day suspension was imposed.

Conclusion – Penalty:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted and his licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 5 days commencing after racing on 5 March 2021 and concluding after racing on 13 March 2021.