Hawke’s Bay RI 14 October 2023 – R1 and R10 – Ryan Elliot

ID: RIB28411

Respondent(s):
Ryan Elliot - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr J Oatham

Adjudicators:
N Moffatt (Chair) and B Mainwaring

Persons Present:
Mr R Elliot

Information Number:
A17502

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Overweight

Rule(s):
330(3)(c) - Weight Infringement

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
GET FUNKY (R1) and ILLUSION OF PARIS (R10)

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
14/10/2023

Race Club:
Hawkes Bay Race Club

Race Location:
Hastings Racecourse - 200 Prospect Road, Hastings, 4122

Race Number:
R1

Hearing Date:
14/10/2023

Hearing Location:
Hastings Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey, Ryan Elliot suspended for 4 days

Evidence:

The Applicant, Stipendiary Steward, Mr Oatham filed an Information pursuant to Rule 330(3)(c) alleging that Class A Rider Mr R Elliot failed to make the required weight for GET FUNKY (R1) and ILLUSION OF PARIS (R10).

The Respondent was present at the hearing and confirmed his admission of the breach.

Rule 330(3)(c) provides:

“A rider shall not fail to ride a horse at the weight at which it is handicapped to carry”. 

Mr Oatham advised that GET FUNKY was handicapped to carry 56kg and Mr Weatherley was the replacement Rider. In Race 10 ILLUSION OF PARIS was to carry 57kgs and Mr Grylls was the replacement Rider.

Mr Elliot contacted Stipendiary Steward, Mr B Jones just before 8am this morning (raceday) and told him he would be unable to make the weight for the 2 horses by quite a margin.

By way of explanation, Mr Elliot said he had spent hours in the bath at 3am but could not lose the required weight. He said he had travelled back from Sydney during the week, he had lost sleep and his body was tired.

Decision:

As the Respondent admitted the breach the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submission for Penalty:

Mr Oatham said that this is Mr Elliot’s 3rd breach of the Rule within the last 120 day period but his 6th breach in 6 months. His struggle with weight is a concern.

Reasons for Penalty:

The MIN schedule establishes a $100 fine as the starting point for a first breach of this Rule.  In circumstances where Stewards elect to file an Information, determination of penalties are fact dependent.

The Adjudicative Committee considered the submissions and determined that both replacement Riders were experienced and suitable Riders. Mr Elliot is known to have weight issues but consideration was given to the busy week he had travelling to Australia disrupting his routines.  A term of suspension was considered appropriate.

Penalty:

Mr Elliot is suspended for 4 days commencing after racing on Saturday October 21 and concluding after racing on Friday October 27.

 

Decision Date: 14/10/2023

Publish Date: 16/10/2023