Hawkes Bay RI 2 October 2021 – R3 – Matthew Cameron

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Following the running of Race 3 (LI Redshaw Memorial), an Information was lodged by Mr Oatham alleging a breach of Rule 636(1) (d) in that M Cameron (VIGOR WINNER) failed to ride his mount out fully to the finish.

Mr Oatham had Mr Goodwin explain the incident using the available video angles. He showed Mr Cameron racing in 2 equal or 3rd place when, approximately three strides from the finish line, he relaxed his ride and was overtaken by the fast-finishing TIMES TICKING. Mr Cameron finished in 4th place with there being a long neck margin between his horse and the third placed runner.

REASON FOR DECISION:

As Mr Cameron admitted the breach it was deemed proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham said Mr Cameron had a clear record under this Rule. He has had 224 rides in the last 12 months despite having an 8 month break from riding. Due to the manner in which TIMES TICKING was finishing the Stewards were not convinced that Mr Cameron would have finished in 3rd place had he kept riding. Mr Oatham’s submission was for some level of mitigation to be applied to the penalty.

Mr Cameron agreed that he had stopped riding short of the post but maintained the horse had come to the end of its run. He has ridden VIGOR WINNER a few times previously and today it was carrying weight and fresh up. When he felt the horse stopping he put the stick away but said there was still enough forward momentum to hold his place. TIMES TICKING came quickly from a position well behind him.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guide for Adjudicative Committees has a sliding scale of starting points relating to the potential placing deemed to have been lost. The starting point for missing third placing is a 3-week suspension, and we adopted this today. Mr Cameron made an error of judgement which was clearly evident on the videos, showing him ease up short of the line to finish in 4th place. Punters watching who had backed VIGOR WINNER would have reason to feel aggrieved. It was not certain however that  Mr Cameron’s actions prevented him from finishing in 3rd place. TIMES TICKING was approximately 4 lengths behind VIGOR WINNER at the 100m mark yet overtook him extremely quickly. Mr Cameron said VIGOR WINNER had come to the end of its run which he confirmed by pointing out where the horse raised its head when it tired.

The Adjudicating Committee was of the opinion that this was reason for some mitigation along with Mr Cameron’s clear record and admission of the breach. We have allowed a discount of one week.

Mr Cameron advised of riding commitments on Wednesday October 6th at Taupo.

CONCLUSIONS:

He is therefore suspended from the close of racing on Wednesday October 6th up to and including racing on Wednesday October 20th, 2021 – a period of 2 weeks.