Hawkes Bay RI 15 October 2022 – R6 – Opie Bosson

FACTS

Following the running of Race 6 (Red Badge Spring Sprint Group III) Information A15577 was filed with the Adjudicative Committee.

It was alleged by the Applicant that Mr Bosson, Rider of “TIMES TICKING”, permitted his mount to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear, crowding “OLD TOWN ROAD” (L Allpress) and “TAVIS COURT (F Lazet) over the concluding stages with L Allpress and F Lazet being dislodged.  Also dislodged were D Danis “CROSS ROADS” and M Hudson “PULL NO PUNCHES” from resulting interference.

Mr Bosson said that he understood the Rule, charge and confirmed that he admitted the breach.

Mr Goodwin identified the horses and Riders involved on film replays.

He said that Mr Bosson allowed his mount to shift in when not clear of L Allpress (OLD TOWN ROAD) AND F Lazet (TAVIS COURT).

He said that F Lazet and L Allpress were dislodged when their respective mounts received interference and became unbalanced.

Mr Goodwin showed D Danis and M Hudson being dislodged as following horses shifted to avoid the fallen Riders.

He concluded by saying Mr Bosson allowed it (his horse) to run in and then straightened after it happened (interference) and that it was far too late.

Mr Bosson said that he had gone in for a stride – half- stride too late coming out and that he had admitted the breach.

DECISION

As the charge was admitted it was deemed proved by the Adjudicative Committee.

PENALTY SUBMISSIONS

Mr Oatham produced Mr Bosson’s record for careless riding which showed:

13 November 2021    –    7 Days Suspension + $1500 Fine

19 February 2022      –    5 Days Suspension

12 October 2022        –    5 Days Suspension

Mr Oatham placed the carelessness in the mid-range or slightly above.

He said the aggravating factors were:

• Four Riders dislodged (after finish) resulting in two of those Riders being stood down
• That it was a Group III Race with a stake of $100,000

He said that the mitigating factors were:

• Riding record – neutral
• Admittance of breach

Mr Oatham added that the starting point for careless riding causing a fall has been recognized as 4 weeks suspension and invited the Adjudicative Committee to consider an increase due to it occurring in a Group Race.

Mr Bosson said that it happened on the winning post and that his horse over-reacted, opened his mouth and did not react when he wanted him to.  He said that he had engagements up to Te Rapa next week and wanted a deferment until after then.

Mr Oatham subsequently advised the Adjudicative Committee that Mr Bosson will be suspended after Te Rapa until after 29 October 2022 on another matter.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

The Adjudicative Committee found that Mr Bosson when riding with vigour, allowed his mount “TIMES TICKING” to gradually shift inwards over the final stages, which resulted in “OLD TOWN ROAD” (L Allpress) being forced in onto “TAVIS COURT” (F Lazet).  Both of these runners were forced into very tight positions, became unbalanced to such an extent that both L Allpress and F Lazet were dislodged.   When following runners were taking evasive action, both D Danis and M Hudson were also dislodged from their respective mounts “CROSS ROADS” AND “PULL NO PUNCHES”.

Mr Bosson had come from behind both “OLD TOWN ROAD” and “TAVIS COURT” and was only marginally in front of both horses when shifting in.

Mr Bosson did attempt to correct his mount’s line of running, however this was  too late as the damage had been done.

At no time during the inward shift and prior to interference occurring, did Mr Bosson attempt to straighten his mount’s line of running to give inside runners sufficient room to finish the race off safely.

The Adjudicative Committee placed the carelessness exhibited by Mr Bosson just above mid-range and took the following aggravating and mitigating features into consideration when considering penalty.

Aggravating:

-Total of four Riders were dislodged with two being stood down.

-Group III Event – $100,000 stake (increase in penalty may be imposed – refer Rule 920(2))

-Won the race

-Other Riders’ safety was placed in jeopardy

Mitigation:

-Neutral Riding Record, although Mr Bosson incurred a suspension on 12 October 2022 for careless riding

-Admitted the breach

Adopting a starting point of four weeks suspension, the Adjudicative Committee believed that an increase of two weeks suspension and a fine of $1000 was the appropriate penalty.

In fixing penalty, the Adjudicative Committee was mindful of the deterrent feature as safety is paramount.

CONCLUSION

Mr Bosson’s Jockey’s Licence was suspended from 30 October up to and including 9 December 2022 and in addition fined $1000.