Manawatu RC 5 July 2024 – R7 – Lily Sutherland

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 7, the Respondent Apprentice Rider Ms L Sutherland admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that she allowed her mount TRAMORE to shift in when not sufficiently clear of BOURBON FALLS, who had to check to avoid heels passing the 1600 metres.

Ms Sutherland acknowledged she understood the Rule and confirmed her admission of the breach. Apprentice Mentor Ms Clapperton was present to assist.

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 Davidson demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders involved.

He showed that Ms Sutherland, positioned wide on the track, looked twice to her inside before shifting inward at the first bend. Masa Hashizume, riding on the fence, was forced to take hold of his mount, BOURBON FALLS, due to Ms Sutherland’s inward movement.

In response, Ms Clapperton explained that the movement from Apprentice Rider Ms Sutherland would not normally be an issue. She was attempting to slot into position behind SIR MIKKI, but as she was at the point of the corner, her horse changed legs and consequently stepped in a little too far.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Goodwin produced Ms Sutherland’s riding record, which indicated 2 previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely December 2023 (4 day suspension) and April 2024 (5 days and $1,000 fine).

The Respondent has had 577 mounts in the past 12 months.

Mr Goodwin said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low range, adding that 9 times out of 10, nothing would have happened.

Ms Sutherland advised of riding engagements through until Thursday July 11, and sought a deferment to any proposed suspension.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined that Ms Sutherland’s carelessness constituted a low-end breach and adopted a 5-day suspension as the starting point, in accordance with the NZTR Penalty Guide as of February 2023.

The incident was accurately described by both the Stewards and Ms Clapperton. Ms Sutherland was making a well-calculated and reasonable move, which went slightly awry due to occurring at the point of the turn. The interference to BOURBON FALLS was reasonably minor.

Given the number of rides Ms Sutherland has had in the last 12 months, her record is considered excellent. A 1-day reduction was applied to the 5-day starting point for her admission of the breach and her record.

After consideration of the above factors, a 4-day suspension was imposed.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted and her Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 4 days commencing after racing on Thursday July 11th, 2024 and concluding after racing on Thursday July 18th, 2024.