Kumara RC 11 January 2025 – R9 – Ruvanesh Muniandy
ID: RIB50538
Animal Name:
SPROCKET ROCKET
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
11/01/2025
Race Club:
Kumara Racing Club
Race Location:
Kumara Racecourse - Otira Highway, Kumara, 7832
Race Number:
R9
Hearing Date:
11/01/2025
Hearing Location:
Kumara
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Ruvanesh Muniandy was suspended for 6 National Days
Evidence:
Following the running of Race 9, the Respondent Class B Rider Ruvanesh Muniandy admitted a charge of careless riding, which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d). The Information alleged that as the Rider of SPROCKET ROCKET, “he allowed his mount to shift in, hampering and contacting ELEGANT LADY (T Moseley), which was forced across heels short of the finishing post”.
The Respondent acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach.
Mr Muniandy was assisted at the hearing by 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 Haley, demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned. Ms Haley pointed out Mr Muniandy, riding SPROCKET ROCKET racing wide on the track approaching the 50m with ELEGANT LADY, ridden by Terry Moseley, racing on the inside of Mr Muniandy. The replays showed Mr Muniandy, when under a vigorous ride, shifting in, making contact and crowding ELEGANT LADY over the final stages of the race, forcing that horse across heels. Mr Davidson stated that the pressure had continued on for the final 50m of the race.
In response, the Respondent, with assistance from Mr Laking, stated that he should of straightened his mount as soon as contact was made and conceded that he had caused crowding to Mr Moseley.
Decision:
As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.
Submissions for Penalty:
Stipendiary Steward Mr Davidson produced Mr Muniandy’s riding record, which indicated 4 previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely: 2 March 2024 – Otago (5 day suspension), 10 March 2024 – Wyndham (6 day suspension), 20 April 2024 – Wingatui (5 day suspension) and 24 November 2024 (6 day suspension).
Mr Davidson stated that as 3 of the previous breaches were 8-9 months prior and the latest being in November, he submitted that Mr Muniandy’s record could be treated as a neutral factor.
He said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the mid-range and submitted a starting point as per the Penalty Guide, of a 7 day starting point.
In terms of any proposed penalty, the Respondent elected to make no submissions, apart from seeking a deferment of penalty until after racing at Wingatui on 18 January 2025.
Reasons for Penalty:
After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee agreed with the Stewards and determined Mr Muniandy’s carelessness to be in the mid range and accordingly, adopted a 7-day suspension as the starting point. This conforms with the NZTR Penalty Guide.
The Respondent’s riding record is deemed a neutral factor in this case. In mitigation, Mr Muniandy’s frank admission of the breach warrants a discount, which the Adjudicative Committee sets at 1 day.
After consideration of the above factors, a 6-day suspension was imposed.
Conclusion:
The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted until after racing on 18 January 2025 at Wingatui and his Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 6 National Days, commencing after racing on 18 January 2025 and concluding after racing on 27 January 2025.
Decision Date: 11/01/2025
Publish Date: 13/01/2025