Hawke’s Bay RI 14 October 2023 – R3 – Gareth Lahoud
ID: RIB28472
Animal Name:
GOOD OIL
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
14/10/2023
Race Club:
Hawkes Bay Race Club
Race Location:
Hastings Racecourse - 200 Prospect Road, Hastings, 4122
Race Number:
R3
Hearing Date:
14/10/2023
Hearing Location:
Hastings Racecourse 200 Prospect Road Hastings 4122
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Jockey, Gareth Lahoud suspended 6 NR days
Background:
Following the running of Race 3, the ‘Heretaunga Hastings An Out There District Premier’, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d). Details of the alleged breach are as follows:
‘in that he allowed his mount GOOD OIL to shift inwards passing the 150 metres when not clear of ONE DREAM ONE SOUL, which was checked’.
Rule 638(1)(d) provides: A rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee consider to be careless.
Mr Lahoud confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee that he understood the Rule and admitted the breach. Mr Lahoud was assisted in the hearing by Mr Andrew Forsman (Trainer – Good Oil).
Evidence:
Using available film Stewards identified the incident and horses involved. Approaching the 150 metre mark GOOD OIL is working to the lead, is 3-4 horse widths from the fence with OPAWA JACK (Mr Kennedy) and ONE DREAM ONE SOUL (Mrs Allpress) to his inside. OPAWA JACK is weakening whilst ONE DREAM ONE SOUL is looking to finish on. Mr Lahoud is then seen to look to his right at which point his mount heads to the fence causing ONE DREAM ONE SOUL to be tightened and lose ground.
When questioned Mr Lahoud commented that it was a difficult horse to ride. This was endorsed by Mr Forsman who added that the horse can lay in quickly when its gets clear. Riding instructions were to work to the rail along the back straight.
Decision:
As the Respondent admitted the charge, it is deemed proved.
Submissions for Penalty:
Stewards contended the breach sat mid range and referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current NZTR Penalty Guide. Mr Lahoud has had some 13 raceday rides subsequent to a stand down period and transfer of his apprenticeship to the north. In that period we note one breach of the Rule namely New Plymouth 16 September 2023 – 5 day suspension.
Mr Oatham did confirm that in addition to this Mr Lahoud has received two warnings.
Mr Lahoud is to commence suspension for a whip related charge at the close of racing today with same to conclude at the close of racing on 22 October 2023.
Reasons for Penalty:
After consideration, the Adjudicative Committee determined careless to sit low to mid range with a 6 day suspension adopted as suitable sanction. Film evidence confirmed that GOOD OIL was not sufficiently clear of ONE DREAM ONE SOUL when laying into toward the fence. This action affected the chances of ONE DREAM ONE SOUL whilst GOOD OIL went on to win the race.
It is noted that Stewards have directed Mr Lahoud to the meet with the NZTR Rider Skills Review Panel. This is provided for within Rule 343.
Conclusion:
The Respondent’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 6 NR days from the close of racing on 22 October 2023 up to and including 2 November 2023.
Decision Date: 14/10/2023
Publish Date: 16/10/2023