Levin RC 27 July 2024 – R5 – Sarah O’Malley

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 5, 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 BEAU LUCA to shift inward in the home straight, when not clear of VOID, which was 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 which occured over the final stages of the race.

Ms O’Malley shifted inwards quite markedly, into the line of VOID, with Rider Chris Dell having to take action to avoid heels.

In response, Ms O’Malley explained her horse was getting tired and lugging in. She was not aware quite how much she had shifted ground.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Davidson said Ms O’Malley had been charged with careless riding in Race 1 today, making this now her 4th charge in 12 months. The Stewards considered her level of carelessness in this race to be a little above the low range.

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

Reasons for Penalty:

The Adjudicative Committee observed that Ms O’Malley, despite moving inward several horse widths, failed to correct her line of running and continued to use the whip. These actions elevate her carelessness to just below mid-range. Accordingly, a starting point of a 6-day suspension was adopted, in line with the NZTR Penalty Guide as of March 2024.

It is disappointing to note that this is Ms O’Malley’s second charge of careless riding today. Consequently, no mitigation is applied.

Taking all factors into account, a 6-day suspension was imposed.

Conclusion:

Ms O’Malley’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 6 days, commencing after racing on Wednesday August 7th and concluding after racing on Friday August 16th.