Egmont RC 7 October 2023 – R4 – Toni Davies

Background:

Following the running of Race 4, the ‘NZB Ready to Run Trainers Series 1200’ Ms Toni Davies admitted a charge of careless riding filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).

Details of the alleged breach are as follows:

‘in that T Davies (Iconic Lass) allowed her mount to shift inwards over the concluding stages into the line of Kana (Mr M McNab) which was checked’.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides: A rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.

Ms Davies confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee that she understood the Rule and admitted the breach. This was endorsed by Mr Didham.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards demonstrated the incident and identified the horses involved. At the 100 metre mark, ICONIC LASS is some 7-8 horse widths off the fence finishing strongly. Immediately to her inside are SCOTCH BONNET (Mr L Douglas) and BOW HILL (Mr C Grylls). KANA (Mr M McNab) is positioned behind this trio and is also looking to finish strongly.  BOW HILL is then seen to move out slightly, causing crowding to SCOTCH BONNET. Approaching the 50 metre mark, ICONIC LASS had just reached the front and under a hard ride, moved into that gap available to KANA, who was checked.

Decision:

As the Respondent admitted the charge , it is deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Stewards contended that the breach sat low to mid range and referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current NZTR Penalty Guide. Whilst acknowledging that the check to KANA was in part caused by the the outward movement of horses to it’s inside, Stewards were firm of the view that the primary cause of the check was Ms Davies allowing her mount to move inwards, when insufficiently clear of KANA.

Ms Davies’ record is clear as it relates to a breach of this Rule within the last twelve months. This is noted in the context of 136 race day rides during the same period.  Ms Davies sought deferment of any suspension to satisfy riding engagements at Arawa Park – 15/10/2023.

Reasons for Penalty:

After consideration, the Adjudicative Committee determined Ms Davies’ carelessness to sit low range. The late movement of her mount did hinder the chances of KANA, whilst it is recognised that the chances of this horse were also affected by the almost simultaneous movement of horses to it’s inside. A suspension of 5 days was adopted as a starting point, with a 1 reduction deemed appropriate, reflecting record and ready admission of the breach.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for deferment is granted and her Licence to ride in races is suspended from the close of racing on 15/10/2023, up to and including 21/10/2023.