Hawkes Bay RI 2 October 2021 – R7 – Leah Hemi

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Following the running of Race 7, an Information was lodged by Mr Oatham alleging a breach of Rule 638 (1) (d) in that L Hemi (CROSSROADS) angled her mount out near the 200m when not clear of WILD MOOSE which was steadied.

Mr Oatham used the head and side-on films to explain the incident. He showed where Ms Hemi angled outwards into the line of Mr Riddell when only a bare length clear of that runner. Mr Riddell had to take a hold of his horse which then over reacted. The interference had no bearing on the outcome of the race.

Ms Hemi used the head-on film to show that while she did dictate Mr Riddell’s line of running it was only a slight 1 horse-width movement and she believed he then steered his horse inwards over the heels of hers.

REASON FOR DECISION:

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

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham said Ms Hemi had 2 prior charges for careless riding in the last 12 months. She has had 505 rides in that time and today’s breach was at the low end. He said this was a borderline case between a charge and a warning.

REASON FOR PENALTY

The Adjudicating Committee was satisfied the breach was at the low end of the scale and adopted a starting point of 5 days in line with the current Penalty Guidelines. Credit was given for Ms Hemi’s record and admission of the breach.

CONCLUSIONS:

Taking into account Ms Hemi’s riding commitments through until next Saturday she is suspended from the close of racing on Saturday October 9th up to and including racing on Friday October 15th – 4 days.