Hawkes Bay RI 12 September 2026 – R7 – Jonathan Riddell

Background:

Following the running of Race 7, the Listed ‘Timberspan Sir Colin Meads Trophy’, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d). Details are as follows:

‘in that he permitted his mount KING OF THE AIR to shift inwards shortly after the start when insufficiently clear of SAMURAI SWORD, which was contacted and forced inwards crowding PINAFORE, which was checked near the 1100 metres’.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides:

A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.

The Respondent confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee that he understood the Rule and admitted the breach.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards identified the incident and horses involved. The race was a 1200 metre event. KING OF THE AIR had drawn the outside gate. Shortly after leaving the gates, KING OF THE AIR is seen to move inwards, contacting SAMURAI SWORD (Mr George Rooke). This horse in turn, is forced into PINAFORE (Mr Bruno Queiroz), which is checked, losing ground. When asked for comment, the Respondent noted that his mount had moved in for ‘a couple of strides’, at which point he immediately looked to straighten. There was no intent to tighten inside runners.

Decision:

As the Respondent admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

Submissions as to Penalty:

Stewards outlined the Respondent’s record as it relates to any breach of this Rule, within the twelve-month careless riding ‘reference’ period. There are 4 noted namely:

Wanganui JC – 29/11/2025 – 4 day suspension

Taranaki RI – 27/12/2025 – 6 day suspension

Otaki-Maori RC – 8/2/2026 – 4 day suspension

Marton JC – 21/6/2026 – 4 day suspension

Mr Riddell has had 319 rides in that period. Stewards contended that the offence represented a low to mid-range breach and recommended that the status of the race be taken into consideration in setting penalty. Mr Riddell confirmed that any suspension imposed, could take effect immediately.

Reasons for Penalty:

Available film did, to the satisfaction of the Adjudicative Committee, identify the breach. The Respondent was insufficiently clear, when momentarily allowing his mount to move inwards. After due consideration, the Adjudicative Committee determined the breach to be low range. Referenced to the current NZTR Guide, a 5-day suspension was set as the starting point. An uplift of 1 day was applied, to recognize the status of the race. In turn, a 1 day reduction was applied to reflect admission. His record was deemed ‘at best’ to be neutral. A 5 day suspension of Licence was imposed. With Black Type Racing, there is an expectation that in the case of careless riding charges, a monetary fine may be imposed, in addition to any suspension. KING OF THE AIR finished last in the event, with 25% of the Respondent’s share of the stake being $20. A monetary fine was not imposed. It was determined that given the Respondent’s status, he was in a position to accept riding engagements at the Racing Te Aroha ‘Jumps’ meeting on 18 September 2026. As such, this date was included as forming part of his suspension.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 5 NR Days, from the close of racing on 12 September 2026, up to and including 20 September 2026.