Manawatu RC 16 June 2023 – R4 and R5 – Ryan Elliot

The Applicant, Stipendiary Steward Mr Davidson, filed an Information pursuant to Rule 330(3)(c) alleging that Class A Rider, Ryan Elliot failed to make the carded weight for CARRINGTON in R4 and MAGIC EXPRESS in R5.

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”. 

Stipendiary Steward Mr Davidson advised that Mr Elliot informed the Stewards as soon as he arrived on course, that he would be unable to make the weight on the two named horses. Suitable replacement Riders were found, in Mr C Grylls (R4) and Ms C Barnes (R5).

By way of explanation, the Respondent said he had travelled down (to the races) with one of the affected Trainers so they were aware early on, of his inability to make the weight. In response to a question from the Adjudicative Committee, Mr Elliot said he was at least a kilo over and had been struggling to lose weight.

Decision:

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

Submission for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Davidson, said that this is the Respondent’s 4th  breach of the Rule within the last 120 days.  He said breaches are normally dealt with by way of Minor Infringement Notice (MIN), but due to the Respondent’s repeated offending, Stewards elected to proceed by way of an Information, as opposed to having the matter dealt with by way of MIN.

Stipendiary Steward Mr Davidson, submitted the breach could be dealt by way of a substantial fine or a period of suspension.

Mr Elliot advised of riding commitments through until Wednesday June 21st, in case of suspension.

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 all  submissions. Mr Elliot’s poor record is of concern and a period of suspension was considered appropriate. It was fortunate that 2 Senior Riders were available to replace Mr Elliot today.

Given the circumstances, and balancing the interests of the Respondent including his record; and the interests of all stakeholders, the Adjudicative Committee determined a 3-day suspension to be an appropriate penalty under the circumstances of this case.

Conclusion:

Mr Elliot is suspended for 3 days, commencing after racing on Wednesday June 21st and concluding after racing on Saturday June 24th 2023.