Central Otago RC 1 December 2023 – R2 – Jasmine Fawcett

Miss Haley alleged that Ms Fawcett permitted her mount LADYSWEY to shift inwards crowding CEDDY SMITH (A Najib), which shifted away from that runner into the line of LULO ROSE which was checked, with THE ROARING TIGER and GUNNAR being badly hampered as a result.

Mr Oatham demonstrated on the videos that CEDDY SMITH which was over racing, became awkwardly placed inside the heels of LADYSWEY going into the bend near the 600 metres. Ms Fawcett shifted ground inwards and CEDDY SMITH then shifted away from LADYSWEY when placed in restricted room near the 500 metres, and into the line of LULO ROSE, which was checked. As a result, THE ROARING TIGER shifted outwards abruptly to avoid that runner’s heels, badly hampering GUNNAR which struck a heel. Mr Chowdhoory, the Rider of GUNNAR, was almost dislodged.

When questioned by the Adjudicative Committee, Mr Oatham said that the Respondent had not shifted that much, perhaps half a horse width from 3 wide to 2 ½ wide. It was enough, however, when there were two Riders to her inside. The Rider of CEDDY SMITH had taken a strong hold as a result, and the horse had over-reacted to this.

Mr Oatham said the inwards movement, which was on the bend, was fairly gradual. But had the Respondent stayed 3-wide, the incident would not have happened. The videos evidenced that Ms Fawcett was a bare length clear when she shifted.

Ms Fawcett said that while she admitted the breach, she had not shifted ground that much. She commented that had the Rider of CEDDY SMITH not been an inexperienced Apprentice, the incident might not have occurred. He had had options, but he had gone inwards and placed pressure on the whole field. She believed there had been enough room for a Senior Jockey.

Mr Oatham responded that CEDDY SMITH was not an easy horse to ride, and he agreed that its Jockey, Mr Najib, was quite inexperienced. It was his first ride in New Zealand, although he had ridden 12 winners overseas.

Decision 

As Ms Fawcett has admitted the charge, it is found to be proved.

Submissions as to Penalty

Miss Haley produced the Respondent’s record which evidenced 5 previous breaches of the Careless Riding Rule. Three were over 6 months ago and the 2 most recent were in July and October. She commented that Ms Fawcett was a very busy Jockey and rode throughout the country. The Stewards believed the breach was low to mid-range.

Ms Fawcett said she had been assisted by a sports psychologist and her record had improved as a result. She sought a deferment until after Racing on 9 December.

Reasons for Penalty

Ms Fawcett has admitted a charge of careless riding in that she has permitted her mount LADYSWEY to shift inwards crowding CEDDY SMITH, which shifted away from LADYSWEY into the line of LULO ROSE, which was checked near the 500 metres. THE ROARING TIGER and GUNNAR were badly hampered as a result.  The degree of carelessness was not great, but the consequence was that a number of horses were checked. The Stewards’ description of the breach as low to mid-range is apt. The starting point is a 6-day suspension. Record and admission of the breach are in balance.

Conclusion

Ms Fawcett’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 6 national riding days. This is from the conclusion of racing on Saturday 9 December until the conclusion of racing on Thursday 21 December.