Levin RC 27 July 2024 – R1- Sarah O’Malley

ID: RIB44591

Respondent(s):
Sarah Jane O'Malley - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr M Davidson - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
N Moffatt and W Gendall

Persons Present:
Mr Neil Goodwin - Stipendiary Steward

Information Number:
A17469

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Careless Riding

Rule(s):
638(1)(d) - Riding/driving infringement

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
OUR LADY BROOKE

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
27/07/2024

Race Club:
Levin Racing Club

Race Location:
Otaki Racecourse - Te Roto Road, Otaki, 5512

Race Number:
R1

Hearing Date:
27/07/2024

Hearing Location:
Otaki Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Sarah O'Malley is suspended for 4 days

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 1, the Respondent, Ms S O’Malley admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that she allowed her mount to shift inwards after the start, crowding runners to the inside, resulting in BLACKROCK STAR being checked.  

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

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 Mr Goodwin demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

Ms O’Malley started from a wide barrier, with a large number of horses to her inside. Immediately after the start, her mount jumped inwards. The Stewards said this was not an uncommon occurrence and they had no problem with that. Ms O’Malley however, continued to come in, which caused crowding to the horses on her inside. This eventually resulted in Ms Hercock having to take a hold of BLACKROCK STAR.

In response, Ms O’Malley said she tried to relieve the pressure when Chris Dell yelled out to her.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Davidson produced Ms O’Malley’s riding record, which indicated 2 previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely November 30th, 2023 (4 day suspension) and December 23rd, 2023 (4 day suspension). Both were considered low level breaches.

Ms O’Malley has had 140 rides in the past 12 months.

Stipendiary Steward M Davidson said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low range.

The Respondent advised of riding engagements through until Sunday July 28th.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Adjudicative Committee observed that Ms O’Malley’s inward movement was not extensive. However, by moving inward when not sufficiently clear of the runner to her inside, she triggered a cumulative effect, impacting six horses that were in an even line. This resulted in Ms Hercock having to take a hold of her mount, though the interference was minor. Then Adjudicative Committee determined Ms O’Malley’s carelessness to be in the low range and set a starting point of a 5-day suspension in accordance with the NZTR Penalty Guide, as of March 2024.

Considering that Ms O’Malley has not faced a careless riding charge within the last six months and her admission of the breach, the Adjudicative Committee allowed a 1-day reduction.

Taking these factors into account, a 4-day suspension was imposed.

Conclusion:

Ms O’Malley’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 4 days, commencing after racing on Sunday July 28th and concluding after racing on Wednesday August 7th.

Decision Date: 27/07/2024

Publish Date: 29/07/2024