Manawatu RC 23 December 2023 – R7 – Sarah O’Malley
ID: RIB31076
Animal Name:
NEVER LOOK BACK
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
23/12/2023
Race Club:
Manawatu Race Club
Race Location:
Trentham - 10 Racecourse Rd, Upper Hutt, 5018
Race Number:
R7
Hearing Date:
23/12/2023
Hearing Location:
Trentham Racecourse 10 Racecourse Road Upper Hutt 5018
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey, Sarah O'Malley suspended for 4 NR days and fined $250
Background:
Following the running of Race 7, the ‘Humphries Construction Manawatu Cup’, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d).
Details of the Information are as follows:
‘in that she allowed her mount “NEVER LOOK BACK” to shift inwards when not fully clear of “LANGKAWI” which was checked near the 2000 metres’
Rule 638(1)(d) provides: ‘A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be .. careless’
The respondent confirmed that she understood the Rule and admitted the breach.
Evidence:
Using available film, Stewards identified the incident. Soon after leaving the gates and approaching the bend out of the straight NEVER LOOK BACK is positioned 2 to 3 horse widths from the fence. It has COLORADO STAR (Mr Riddell) and LEADERBOARD (Mr Asano) to it’s outside. Mrs O’Malley looks to cross to the fence in behind SAGUNTO (Mrs Allpress). In doing so her mount is insufficiently clear of LANGKAWI (Mr Chung) who is momentarily inconvenienced and checked. When asked for comment, Mrs O’Malley noted her mount was green and that she had pressure from COLORADO STAR Star to her outside. NEVER LOOK BACK went on to finish third in the race earning a Stake of $10,800 in the Group 3 event.
Decision:
As the charge was admitted it was deemed proved.
Penalty Submissions:
Stewards outlined Mrs O’Malley’s record as it related to a breach of this particular Rule. Mrs O’Malley, an experienced rider, has only relatively recently returned to riding after an extended break. The only breach of this Rule within the last twelve months was recorded at Levin RC on 30 November 2023 – low range, 4 day suspension. Stewards considered this breach to be low range and referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current NZTR Penalty Guidelines noting that given the status of the race (Group 3) that a fine be imposed in addition to any suspension.
Mrs O’Malley asked that any suspension be deferred until close of racing on 26 December 2023.
Reasons for Penalty:
After considering submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined Mrs O’Malley’s carelessness to be in the low range. Film did illustrate that in looking to cross NVER LOOK BACK was insufficiently clear of LANGKAWI which was checked. Any pressure from COLORADO STAR represented a minor mitigating factor. NZTR Guidelines provide for a 5 day suspension in this circumstance. Same was adopted as an appropriate starting point with a 1 day reduction applied to reflect record and admission of the breach ie: 4 days suspension. In addition, a fine of $250 was imposed.
Conclusion:
Mrs O’Malley’s request for deferment is granted with her Licence to ride in races suspended form the close of racing on 26 December 2023 up to and including 30 December 2023. In addition, a fine of $250 is imposed.
Decision Date: 23/12/2023
Publish Date: 25/12/2023