Kumara RC 11 January 2025 – R5 – Floor Moerman

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 5, the Respondent Class B Rider Floor Moerman admitted a charge of careless riding, which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that as the Rider of SPINAYARN, “she shifted ground inwards when not clear, crowding and checking FRIENDOFTHE DEVIL (Kylie Williams) passing the 1400m.”  

The Respondent acknowledged she understood the Rule and confirmed her admission of the breach.

Miss Moerman was assisted at the hearing by NZTR Apprentice Jockey Mentor, Jason Laking.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides: A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.

Using the available race films, Stipendiary Steward Mark Davidson, with the assistance of Stipendiary Steward Rebecca Hayley, demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned. Ms Hayley pointed out Miss Moerman, riding SPINAYARN, after starting from the outside barrier stall, racing 5-6 wide approaching the 1400m, with FRIENDOFTHEDEVIL, ridden by Kylie Williams, racing 2 wide on the inside of Miss Foerman. The replays showed Miss Moerman shifting in front of FRIENDOFTHEDEVIL and when doing so, was not clear of Ms Williams, who had to check and take evasive action to avoid the heels of SPINAYARN.

In response, Miss Moerman, with the assistance of Mr Laking, stated that she had made an error of judgement. Mr Laking stated that Miss Moerman was relatively inexperienced, with only 29 career rides to date.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Davidson produced Miss Moerman’s riding record, which indicated a clear record to date.

Mr Davidson said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the above low-range and submitted a starting point as per the Penalty Guide, of a 6 day suspension.

The Respondent made no submissions on penalty, apart from requesting a deferment through until racing on 15 January 2025 at Riccarton.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee agreed with the Stewards and also determined the Respondent Miss Moerman’s carelessness to be in the low to mid range and accordingly, adopted a 6-day suspension as the starting point. This conforms with the NZTR Penalty Guide.

There were no aggravating factors to consider, therefore no uplift in penalty was warranted.

There were however, mitigating factors being Miss Moerman’s good record, her relative inexperience and her frank admission of the breach, which warranted a combined discount, which was set at 1 day.

Therefore, a 5 day suspension was deemed an appropriate penalty in this case.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted until after racing at Riccarton on 15 January 2025 and her Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 5 National Days, commencing after racing on 15 January 2025 and concluding after racing on 22 January 2025.