Hawkes Bay RI 16 October 2021 – R7 – Danielle Johnson

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Following the running of Race 7  (Tumu Group 1400), an Information was lodged by Mr Oatham alleging a breach of Rule 638 (1) (d) in that D Johnson (DEEP BEAUTY) allowed her mount to shift out near the 500 metres when not clear of FOUR QUEENS (C Grylls) which clipped heels and blundered.

Mr Oatham had Mr Goodwin explain the incident using the available video angles. Coming around passing the 600m mark Ms Johnson started easing her mount outwards for a run.  Her movement was not sharp or sudden however she was not the required distance clear of FOUR QUEENS causing that runner to clip a heel of Mr Riddell’s mount.

Ms Johnson admitted the breach but said she didn’t move too much and believed that Mr Riddell’s mount had stepped in and contributed to the incident. The Adjudicators sought clarification from Mr Goodwin as to whether the Stewards agreed with her assertion that Mr Riddell had played some part in the incident. Mr Goodwin said preliminary discussions with Mr Riddell and Mr Grylls did not establish that fact but it was inferred that he might have moved inwards.

REASON FOR DECISION:

As Ms Johnson admitted the breach, it was deemed to be proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham produced Ms Johnson’s record  which showed two careless riding breaches this year:

27/3/21         3 days +  $400

26/4/21         3 days + $500

There was also a charge in October last year but as this was about to drop off Ms Johnson’s record the Committee did not take it into account.

Mr Oatham said Ms Johnson rides extensively around New Zealand and the North Island. He said looking at the incident today her level of carelessness was not high but the consequences to Mr Grylls had been quite extreme.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

In the Committee’s opinion Ms Johnson moved outwards approximately 1 horse width when not clear of Mr Grylls. This forced him out where he clipped a heel of the horse in front, dipped badly and nearly fell. There was a strong suggestion that Mr Riddell’s mount may have stepped in at the same time contributing to the incident. Assessing all factors we placed Ms Johnson’s overall degree of carelessness at  just above midrange and adopted a starting point of 8 days.  For her good record and admission of the breach we allowed a discount of one day imposing a 7 day suspension.

Ms Johnson advised of riding engagements through until October 25th at Te Rapa.

PENALTY:

Ms Johnson’s License is suspended from the close of racing on Monday October 25th up to and including racing on Wednesday November 3rd.