Egmont RC 26 March 2025 – R7 – Mereana Hudson

Background:

Following the running of Race 7, the ‘Action Moto Maiden 1600’, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d). Details are as follows:

‘in that M Hudson (UNUSUAL CHOICE) angled her mount outwards approaching the 350 metres, bumping and checking PORT CHALMER (K Myers)’ 

Rule 638(1)(d) provides:

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

(d) careless.

The Respondent confirmed that she understood the Rule and admitted the breach.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards identified the incident and horses involved. Approaching the turn, UNUSUAL CHOICE was positioned toward the rear of the field and 3-4 horse widths from the fence. PORT CHALMER was positioned to it’s outside. The Respondent is seen to angle her horse out. In doing so, she is insufficiently clear of PORT CHALMER, who receives a significant bump, losing ground.  When asked, Ms Hudson commented that her horse was travelling and she was looking for room. She acknowledged she was too aggressive in her movement.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stewards outlined the Respondent’s record, as it relates to any breach of this particular Rule within the 12-month reset period. There are two previous noted, namely Wellington RC on 4 January 2025 – low range (4 days suspension) and Waverley RC on 29 January 2025 – above mid range (7 days suspension). Ms Hudson remains a busy Rider, having had 109 rides since returning from injury. It was contended that the carelessness sat low to mid-range, with the Adjudicative Committee referred to the current NZTR Penalty Guide. Ms Hudson asked that any suspension imposed be deferred, to enable her to satisfy riding commitments at Wanganui on 5 April 2025.

Reason for Penalty:

The incident is satisfactorily identified through film. The Respondent was not sufficiently clear when looking to move, with her actions causing a check to PORT CHALMER, thus affecting it’s chances. In saying this, PORT CHALMER appeared to be under pressure at the time.

The Adjudicative Committee was satisfied that the degree of carelessness sat low to mid-range.  The current NZTR Penalty Guide provides a starting point for low-range careless at a 5-day suspension and mid-range careless, a 7-day suspension. A 6-day suspension was adopted as a starting point. A reduction was applied to reflect record and ready admission. After consideration, a 5 day suspension was deemed an appropriate penalty. The Respondent’s request for a deferment was granted.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 5 NR days, from the close of racing on 5 April 2025, up to and including 13 April 2025.