Hawke’s Bay RI 14 October 2023 – R2 – Bridget Grylls

Background:

Following the running of Race 2 the ‘Water Bar Napier Premier’, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d).

Details of the breach are as follows:

‘in that she allowed her mount BAHIA EMERALD to shift out on entering the home straight, dictating JACKAROO outwards into the line of WAIHI WARRIOR who was checked’.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides: A rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.

Ms Grylls confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee that she understood the Rule and admitted the breach.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards demonstrated the incident and horses involved. Approaching the home turn BAHIA EMERALD is last against the fence. As the field starts to straighten Ms Grylls angles her horse out. To her outside are JACKAROO (Mr Chris Dell), and WAIHI WARRIOR (Ms Lily Sutherland).  As a result of the move, both horses are squeezed with WAIHI WARRIOR losing significant momentum.. When asked for comment, Ms Grylls noted that she was looking to move out to avoid that backwash resulting from BELCAMINA faltering.

Decision:

As the Respondent admitted the charge, it is deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Stewards contended that the breach sat low to mid range and referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current NZTR Penalty Guide. In respect of record we note a breach of Rule 638(1)(d) on two occasions within the last twelve months namely Auckland TR 22 March 2023 – mid range 6 day suspension, and Ashhurst Pohangina RC 14 April 2023 – above low range – 5 day suspension. Ms Grylls has had 184 rides up until 14th October  2023.

Ms Grylls sought deferment of any suspension to enable her to satisfy riding engagements at Te Rapa on 21 October 2023.

Reasons for Penalty:

After consideration, the Adjudicative Committee determined Ms Grylls carelessness to sit low to mid range. Steward contention that Ms Grylls allowed her mount to move out when insufficiently clear is illustrated through film evidence. A starting point of a 6 day suspension was adopted with there being no factors, mitigating or aggravating, necessitating adjustment.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for deferment is granted with her Licence to ride in races suspended from the close of racing on 21 October 2023, up to and including, 1 November 2023.