Gore RC 24 September 2023 – R3 – Rohan Mudhoo

Mr Davidson alleged that Mr Mudhoo allowed his mount THE GREY GOOSE in Race 3, to shift ground inwards under pressure, checking inside runners passing the 125 metres.

Miss Haley demonstrated on the videos that Mr Mudhoo was racing towards the outside of the track when his horse shifted in towards the rail, checking inside runners. Mr Mudhoo had used the whip when the horse was shifting ground and, while he had put it away, he was too late in correcting his mount. The 4th placegetter, Mr Callaway, had stated he had thought it might have cost his horse a better finishing position.

Mr Mudhoo said the horse was “green” and was changing legs. He knew he was shifting in, that was why he stopped hitting the horse. He said it was the first time he had ridden the horse. He agreed he taken corrective action too late.

Mr Davidson agreed with Mr Mudhoo that he had taken corrective action, but it was too late. Mr Mudhoo was aware there were horses to his inside, and he had kept hitting the horse.

Decision

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

Submissions for Penalty

Mr Davidson produced the Respondent’s record, which was very good, with no breaches of this Rule in the past 12 months.  Mr Davidson said Mr Mudhoo had been overseas for a time and had had 38 rides this season. He described the breach as at the low end, taking into account the horse was racing greenly.

Mr Mudhoo said he accepted Mr Davidson’s submissions and wished the suspension to start immediately.

Reasons for Penalty

Mr Mudhoo has shifted ground inwards when not his length and another clear of inside runners. He was aware his mount was inclined to shift ground and had used the stick 3 times knowing there were horses to his inside. Mr Mudhoo tried to relieve the pressure but was too late.

It is a low range breach and from a 5-day starting point, there is a one-day reduction for admission and Mr Mudhoo’s good record.

Conclusion

Mr Mudhoo is suspended from the end of racing today, up to and including 30 September 2023. This is 4 days.