Gore RC 23 September 2022 – R4 – Megan Taylor

Evidence

Following the running of Race 4, the Respondent Class B Rider Megan Taylor, admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d). The Information alleged that as the Rider of COPY ME IN, she allowed her to mount to shift outwards when not sufficiently clear or LILY OF THE VALLEY (R Mudhoo), which was hampered near the 150 metres with TAP ‘N’ GO (L Callaway), also inconvenienced as a result.

The Respondent acknowledged she understood the Rule and confirmed her admission of the breach. Senior Rider Courtney Barnes was present to assist.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides:

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

Using the available race films, Stipendiary Steward Mr John Oatham demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

Mr Oatham stated that COPY ME IN In was tiring, but had moved outwards – perhaps 3 horse widths, hampering LILY OF THE VALLEY, and then TAP ‘N’ GO being inconvenienced.

In response, the Respondent stated that her horse was tiring badly and that she was trying to give it every possible chance, and the horse had moved out under pressure.

Decision

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

Submissions for Penalty

Miss Haley produced the Respondent’s riding record, which indicated three previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely:

2 October 2021 – Riccarton (6 days)

12 June 2022 – Waimate (5 days low level)

10 August 2022 – Canterbury JC (5 days low level)

Miss Haley said the Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low range, however due to the lack of South Island racing dates, a 6 day national suspension would be sought. Miss Taylor advised that she was not seeking a deferment of penalty, and when questioned, she advised that she is riding up to 4 horses on most race days.

Miss Barnes stated that Miss Taylor had simply made an error of judgement, her horse was tiring and she had given it every chance.

Reasons for Penalty

After considering all of the submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined the Respondent’s level of carelessness to be low and adopted a 6 day national suspension as an appropriate penalty, given the factors as they were presented.

The available films clearly established that the Respondent shifted ground outwards when not clear of the outside runners, resulting in these two horses being affected around the 150 metre mark.

Conclusion

The Respondent is suspended for a period of 6 National Riding Days, commencing after racing on 23rd of September 2022 and concluding after racing on the 1st of October 2022.