Hawkes Bay RI 18 September 2021 – R9 – Jonathan Riddell

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Following the running of Race 9 (Group 1 Tarzino Trophy), an Information was lodged by Mr Oatham alleging a breach of Rule 638 (1) (d) in that J Riddell (CALLSIGN MAV) allowed his mount to shift inwards near the 900m crowding FRONTMAN, SUPREME HEIGHTS and HARLECH.

Mr Oatham had Mr Goodwin explain the incident using the available video angles.

At the 900m mark the head-on view showed Mr Riddell in a wide out position with three runners to his inside. He slowly began to come across but in doing so was not clear of Kozzi Asano’s mount FRONTMAN which was tightened and dictated inwards onto Mr McNab’s mount SUPREME HEIGHTS. HARLECH on the rail was also affected but to a lesser degree.

Mr Riddell said Mr Goodwin had fairly summed up the situation. He was riding forwards while moving inwards and he simply misjudged his distance. He was aware of Mr Asano to his immediate inside, but he did not see Mr McNab.

REASON FOR DECISION:

As Mr Riddell admitted the breach, it was deemed to be proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham produced Mr Riddell’s record for careless riding breaches over the preceding 12-month period which showed two previous charges:

13/3/21               6 days + $750    Group 1 race

8/4/21                  5 days + $200

He said the Stewards rated the incident today as in the mid-range, or above. It was a significant Group 1 race and three other horses had been affected.

Mr Riddell advised that he had no riding commitments over the next 10 days therefore any proposed suspension could begin immediately.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

In setting penalty, the Committee had regard to all submissions. Mr Riddell could be seen looking across as he was moving inwards seeking a run closer to the rail. The requirement for a Rider is to be their own length plus one other before crossing another horse. Mr Riddell was well short on this occasion being approximately ½ length clear and causing significant interference to both FRONTMAN and SUPREME HEIGHTS. A third horse on the rail was also affected. The Committee noted that Mr Riddell moved inwards in a gradual manner, but nonetheless he is an experienced Rider and is expected to adhere to the 2-length clearance required when crossing other runners. His degree of carelessness sits in the midrange. In line with the new Penalty Guidelines the Committee adopted a starting point of 7 days suspension. Taking into account Mr Riddell’s good record, his admission of the breach and the Group 1 status of the race an 8 day suspension was considered an appropriate penalty.

It is usual to add a monetary penalty for breaches that occur in black-type races and Mr Riddell won the race earning $6,325.00 as his percentage of stakes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Accordingly, Mr Riddell’s license is suspended from the close of racing today Saturday September 18th up to and including racing on Friday October 1st. In addition, he is fined the sum of $1200.