Levin RC 29 July 2023 – R5 and R8 – Jonathan Riddell
ID: RIB25720
Animal Name:
QUIRKY HABITS and SPLODGE
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
29/07/2023
Race Club:
Levin Racing Club
Race Location:
Otaki Racecourse - Te Roto Road, Otaki, 5512
Race Number:
R5
Hearing Date:
29/07/2023
Hearing Location:
Otaki Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Jonathan Riddell is fined $300
Evidence:
The Applicant, Stipendiary Steward Mr Goodwin, filed an Information pursuant to Rule 330(3)(c) alleging that Class A Rider Mr Riddell, failed to make the contracted weight for QUIRKY HABITS (Race 5) and SPLODGE (Race 8).
The Respondent was present at the hearing and confirmed his admission of the breach.
Rule 330(3)(c) provides:
“A rider shall not fail to ride a horse at the weight at which it is handicapped to carry”.
Mr Goodwin advised that Mr Riddell notified the Stewards as soon as he arrived on course. He was replaced on SPLODGE by Ms B Grylls and Mr M Singh took the ride on QUIRKY HABITS.
By way of explanation, Mr Riddell said he had the flu all week and was still not feeling well. He wasn’t proud of himself for not being able to make the correct weight.
Decision:
As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.
Submission for Penalty:
Mr Goodwin said Mr Riddell had a clear record over the last 120 days and this breach would normally have attracted a $100 fine by way of a Minor Infringement Notice (MIN). Due to the breach involving a Black-type Race, Stewards elected to proceed by way of an Information in front of the Adjudicative Committee.
Stipendiary Steward Mr Goodwin submitted the breach could be dealt by way of a fine.
Mr Riddell said Mr Singh was riding well and was a more than suitable replacement for him on QUIRKY HABITS.
Reasons for Penalty:
The MIN schedule establishes a $100 fine as the starting point for a first breach of this Rule. In circumstances where Stewards elect to file an Information, determination of penalties are fact dependent.
The Adjudicative Committee considered the submissions and took into account Mr Riddell’s clear record, his illness and the fact he was replaced on 2 horses and that one of these was the main race of the day, the Listed Ryder Stakes.
Conclusion:
The Respondent is fined $300.
Decision Date: 29/07/2023
Publish Date: 01/08/2023