Manawatu RC 29 July 2021 – R6 – Diego Montes de Oca

ID: RIB3729

Respondent(s):
Diego Montes de Oca - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
Mr Matthew Williamson - Senior Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr Tom Castles (Chair), Mr Bruce Mainwaring (Member)

Persons Present:
Mr M Williamson, Mr N Goodwin, Ms K Clapperton (Riding Mentor), Mr D Montes de Oca

Information Number:
A14576

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
In that Diego Montes de Oca (Sweet Karma) attempted to weigh out without leathers and irons.

Rule(s):
649(1)(a) - Weight Infringement - Weighing in

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
Sweet Karma

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
29/07/2021

Race Club:
Manawatu Race Club

Race Location:
Awapuni Racing Centre - 67 Racecourse Road, Awapuni, Palmerston North, 4412

Race Number:
R6

Hearing Date:
29/07/2021

Hearing Location:
Awapunui Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Diego Montes de Oca is fined a sum of $450

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Mr Williamson informed the Adjudicative Committee that Mr Montes de Oca attempted to weigh out without his irons and leathers. When this was brought to his attention by the Clerk of Scales he returned to the Jockeys’ room to add the necessary gear.

SUBMISSIONS:

Mr Williamson was of the view that the mistake could be classed as genuine although there was the possibility some advantage could be gained. When questioned, Mr Montes de Oca explained that he was in a rush and ‘rattled’.

REASON FOR DECISION:

Mr Montes de Oca admitted the breach and it is found proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Williamson considered a monetary penalty was appropriate. In support of this he noted three relatively recent breaches of the Rule, these being Avondale September 2018 where  a fine of $600 was imposed, Awapuni November 2020  and New Plymouth December 2020 where in both circumstances a fine of $500 was imposed. One occasion involved an Apprentice.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

In determining penalty the Committee recognise Mr  Montes de Oca is an Apprentice and acknowledge that he has been riding in New Zealand for a very limited period.  Also noted was the admission of breach. Mr Monte de Oca was reminded of his obligations and importance in adhering to the Rules.

CONCLUSIONS:

Mr Diego Montes de Oca is fined a sum of $450.

Decision Date: 29/07/2021

Publish Date: 02/08/2021