Hawkes Bay RI 9 September 2023 – R9 – Opie Bosson
ID: RIB27145
Animal Name:
SKEW WIFF
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
09/09/2023
Race Club:
Hawkes Bay Race Club
Race Location:
Hastings Racecourse - 200 Prospect Road, Hastings, 4122
Race Number:
R9
Hearing Date:
09/09/2023
Hearing Location:
Hastings Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Opie Bosson is fined $750
Background:
Mr Oatham alleged that in Race 9, Mr Bosson weighed in, in excess of the weight at which he weighed out, when riding SKEW WIFF.
This would normally be dealt with by way of a Minor Infringement, but Mr Oatham brought it before the Adjudicative Committee due to the Group 1 status of the race and that it was Mr Bosson’s second breach of the Rule today.
Mr Oatham said Mr Bosson was carded to ride SKEW WIFF at 56.5kgs, but weighed out prior to the race at 57.4kg. He was granted permission to ride .9kgs over the designated weight.
After winning the race, Mr. Bosson weighed in at 57.9 kilograms, but it was observed that he had dropped a rubber girth sleeve on his way to the scales. This missing equipment accounted for an additional 0.3 kilograms. Mr Oatham noticed the girth sleeve was quite sweaty.
Mr. Bosson was absent from the hearing as he had a flight to catch. However, he had informed Mr. Oatham that he had not been feeling well, had consumed some water, and vomited before the race
Decision:
As Mr Bosson has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
Submissions for Penalty:
Mr Oatham said Mr Bosson was fined $200 under the Minor Infringement Scheme for the same breach in Race 7 today.
He emphasised that Riders often encounter weight-related challenges at this time of the year, and that no party had suffered any consequences due to this breach. He noted that the situation would have been significantly different had Mr Bosson finished in second place.
Reasons for Penalty:
Under the Minor Infringement Scheme, a second breach of the Rule would have incurred a fine of $300. The Adjudicative Committee considered the elevated status of the race (Group 1), Mr. Bosson’s second infraction on the same raceday, and applied an appropriate increase.
Conclusion:
He is fined the sum of $750.
Decision Date: 09/09/2023
Publish Date: 11/09/2023