Hawkes Bay RI 2 October 2021 – R6 – Bailey Rogerson

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Following the running of Race 6 (Group 2 Hawkes Bay Guineas), an Information was lodged by Mr Oatham alleging a breach of Rule 638 (1) (d) in that B Rogerson (DRUM MAJOR) allowed her mount to shift inwards near the 1100m tightening MANA NUI, SOLDIER BOY and WESTERN SPRINGS.

Mr Oatham had Mr Goodwin explain the incident using the available video angles. Ms Rogerson was on the outside of the field looking for cover, and seeking a run closer to the running rail. She looked inwards and moved straight across into the line of MANA NUI (V Colgan) who was jostled for several strides. This set up a concertina effect from the outside in, affecting SOLDIER BOY (K Hercock) and WESTERN SPRINGS (R Elliott). Mr Colgan was forced to take evasive action to avoid the heels of Ms Rogerson’s mount but Mr Goodwin said she did take corrective action once she realised what was happening.

Ms Rogerson agreed that she moved in sharply but said she did try and correct her mount as soon as she heard calling out.

REASON FOR DECISION:

As Ms Rogerson admitted the breach the charge was deemed proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham said Ms Rogerson has never been charged with any breach of the Rules of Racing. She has had 197 rides in the last 12 months and has recently been having some success. The Stewards’ submission was for a suspension taking into account the Group 2 status of the race.

Ms Rogerson said she had been an Amateur Rider since she was 15 yrs old and an Apprentice Rider for a year.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

The Committee placed Ms Rogerson’s carelessness in the midrange due to her sharp inward movement and the fact that 3 horses suffered interference as a result of her actions. If she had failed to take corrective action we would have placed the breach in the high range but the films clearly showed her trying to pull her horse outwards soon after realising what was happening. In line with the new Penalty Guidelines the Committee adopted a starting point of 7 days suspension. An aggravating factor was the Group 2 status of the race and an uplift of 2 days was applied to reflect the black type and higher stake money. Mitigating factors were Ms Rogerson’s clear record, admission of the breach and her relative inexperience as an Apprentice Rider. Taking all matters into account a 7-day suspension was considered appropriate. While it is usual to add a monetary penalty for breaches that occur in black type races the Adjudicative Committee declined to do so due to the factors already outlined.

Ms Rogerson advised of riding engagements through until Taupo on Wednesday.

CONCLUSIONS:

Accordingly, Ms Rogerson is suspended from the close of racing on Wednesday October 6th up to and including racing on Friday October 15th, 2021.