Kurow JC 30 December 2024 – R6 – Yogesh Atchamah

Background:

Following the running of Race 6, Class B Rider Yogesh Atchamah admitted a breach of Rule 638(1)(d) in that, as the Jockey of MISS INTERPRET in the race, he rode carelessly when he allowed his mount to shift in when not clear of ME LIBEREZ (T Moseley), which was checked, going back on BLANCHE (K Hercock), which was also checked passing the 800 metres.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides:

A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.

At the start of the hearing, Mr Atchamah confirmed his admission of the breach and that he understood the Rule.

Mr Atchamah was assisted by Apprentice Jockey Mentor, Jason Laking.

Evidence:

Stipendiary Steward Rebecca Haley asked her colleague, Mark Davidson, to use the available race videos to illustrate the alleged breach. Mr Davidson identified Mr Atchamah (MISS INTERPRET) in a handy 3-wide position in the back straight. Approaching the 800 metre mark, Mr Atchamah moved forward and crossed with MISS INTERPRET to sit outside the leader. Mr Atchamah crossed in front of Jockey Terry Moseley (ME LIBEREZ) to complete this manoeuvre. During Mr Atchamah’s shift inwards, Mr Moseley could be seen to call out and was forced to take hold of ME LIBEREZ. Also inconvenienced was Jockey Kate Hercock (BLANCHE), who was trailing Mr Moseley. Ms Hercock had to check her horse off heels and veer 3-wide.

Mr Davidson said the Respondent was not his length and another clear, when shifting in to sit outside the leader. He said Mr Atchamah had tried to slow down as he moved in. He added there would have been no issue, had Mr Atchamah allowed his horse to keep rolling for another couple of strides, before completing the shift across.

Mr Atchamah agreed with the Stewards’ description of the incident. He said he should have kept rolling forward for another couple of strides. He conceded he had been too quick to ease the pase when crossing to be outside the leader.

Mr Laking said Mr Atchamah had misjudged the situation. He had eased two strides before he should have.

Decision:

As the Respondent has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Ms Haley produced the Respondent’s record, which included four previous breaches of the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months:

2 June 2024 at Wingatui – suspended for 4 days (low-range);

27 June 2024 at Riccarton – suspended for 6 days (low-range);

4 July 2024 at Ashburton – suspended for 7 days (low-to-mid range); and

26 October 2024 at Riccarton – suspended for 7 days (low-to-mid range).

Stewards considered this latest breach to be low-range, Ms Haley said. She said there were no major consequential effects, apart from the two horses that were checked. Stewards believed the Respondent’s poor careless riding record warranted an uplift in penalty. It was submitted that any penalty should also favourably reflect Mr Atchamah’s admission of the breach.

Stewards described Mr Atchamah as a very busy Rider and a well-sought after Apprentice Jockey. He had had 167 rides since 1 August last.

Mr Laking conceded the Respondent’s record was poor, but mostly reflected “little silly mistakes.” He submitted that Mr Atchamah had been riding well in the couple of months since his most recent careless riding breach.

Mr Atchamah requested a deferment of any possible suspension, to allow him to ride at the Greymouth Meeting on 5 January 2025. He had nothing else to add on the matter of penalty.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Adjudicative Committee assesses the level of carelessness by the Respondent to be low range. Mr Atchamah is an Apprentice Jockey who has made a slight misjudgement. The consequential effects for the checked horses appear to be minor. The RIB Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide suggests a starting point for a low level careless riding breach is a 5 day suspension. The Adjudicative Committee, in this case, adopts a starting point of a 5 day suspension. Mr Atchamah has a poor record under the Rule, accumulating four breaches in the previous 12 months. In light of this, the Adjudicative Committee believes an uplift of 2 days from the starting point of 5 days is required.  There are no other aggravating features.

In mitigation, the Adjudicative Committee notes the Respondent’s status as a busy Apprentice Jockey and his admission of the breach. Taking these factors into account, Mr Atchamah is afforded a 1-day reduction in his period of suspension. This brings the length of his suspension to 6 days.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted. Class B Rider Yogesh Atchamah is suspended from riding in races from the conclusion of racing on 5 January 2024, up to and including racing on 12 December 2024, this being 6 National Riding Days.