Gore RC 21 September 2025 – R1 – Ayush Mudhoo

BACKGROUND

Following the running of Race 1, Class B Rider Ayush Mudhoo admitted a breach of Rule 638(1)(d) in that, as the Jockey of FORSETI in the race, he rode carelessly when he shifted ground inwards approaching the 600 metres when not fully clear of SERENDIPITOUS (T Comignaghi), which was crowded and checked.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides:

A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.

At the start of the hearing, Mr Mudhoo confirmed his admission of the breach and that he understood the Rule and the nature of the charge.

Mr Mudhoo was assisted by Apprentice Jockey Mentor, Jason Laking.

EVIDENCE

Stipendiary Steward Mark Davidson asked his colleague, Rebecca Haley, to use the available race videos to illustrate the alleged breach. Ms Haley identified the Respondent, riding FORSETI, hunting forward from a wide draw to challenge for the lead.

Approaching the 600 metre mark, Mr Mudhoo was shown crossing down to lead on the rail. When shifting ground inwards, Mr Mudhoo was not his own length and another clear, Ms Haley said. This crowded the horse that had been leading, SERENDIPITOUS, and forced her Rider, Tina Comignaghi, to abruptly check stride. Ms Haley said the footage showed SERENDIPITOUS skying her head under restraint, and the legs of the two horses coming close together.

Mr Mudhoo and Mr Laking accepted the evidence put forward by the Stewards.

DECISION

As the Respondent has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY

Stewards produced the Respondent’s record, which showed he had had 101 rides in the last 12 months. Mr Mudhoo had a clear record under the Rule, Mr Davidson said.

Mr Mudhoo’s careless riding on this occasion could have had more serious consequences, Mr Davidson said. Mr Mudhoo had crossed when barely one length clear, and Ms Comignaghi had been checked and forced to take a quite severe hold.

Stewards assessed the breach as being just below mid-range, Mr Davidson said. He submitted that Mr Mudhoo’s admission of the breach and excellent record should be considered when setting the penalty.

Mr Laking had little to add by way of penalty submissions. Mr Mudhoo had been riding well overall and this was “a blip on the radar,” he said.

Mr Mudhoo requested that any suspension be deferred until after the Riccarton Park meeting on 27 September 2025. He had nothing else to add on the matter of penalty.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

The Adjudicative Committee assesses the level of carelessness to be mid-range. The manner in which Mr Mudhoo crossed to lead approaching the 600 metre mark placed Ms Comignaghi in some difficulty and put her at risk of clipping heels. Mr Mudhoo was not his length and another clear when he shifted ground, as required by the Rules.

The Racing Integrity Board’s Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide suggests a suspension of 7 national riding days as a starting point for a mid-range careless riding breach. The Adjudicative Committee adopts this as the starting point.

There are no aggravating factors.

Mr Mudhoo’s clear record and admission of the breach are mitigating factors, for which he is afforded a 1-day reduction in his period of suspension. This brings the length of his suspension to 6 days.

CONCLUSION

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted. Class B Rider Ayush Mudhoo is suspended from riding in races from the conclusion of racing on 27 September 2025, up to and including racing on 8 October 2025, this being 6 national riding days.