Manawatu RC 6 April 2024 – R4 – Michael McNab

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 4, the Respondent Class A Rider Mr M McNab admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that M McNab (OUTOVSTOCK) allowed his mount to shift inwards crowding INVESTIGATE (S Weatherley) and MOONLIGHT MAGIC (C Grylls) which were both checked near the 150m.

The Respondent acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides: A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.

Although the films had been played extensively throughout the protest hearing, Stipendiary Steward Mr Goodwin demonstrated the incident again for the benefit of the careless riding charge.

The overhead drone footage showed that although Mr Elliot may have shifted 1/2 horse width outwards, it was Mr McNab who was primarily responsible for the gap closing on Mr Grylls and Mr Weatherley. Both INVESTIGATE and MOONLIGHT MAGIC were shut out of runs when Mr McNab moved inwards 2 horse-widths, while finishing strongly down the outside.

Mr McNab had nothing to say in response.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr Oatham, produced Mr McNab’s riding record, which indicated 6 previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely:

10/6/23    Australia      13 days (2 weeks)

6/8/23      Egmont        4 days

4/10/23    Tauranga     6 days

14/10/23   Australia     10 days

25/11/23   Pukekohe    6 days

14/1/24     Ellerslie       5 days

The Respondent has had 782 mounts in the past 12 months, and although this is a lot of rides, his record of careless riding is now becoming a concern to the Stewards.

Mr Oatham assessed the level of carelessness to be a touch above midrange, with the interference probably having an effect on MOONLIGHT MAGIC gaining a higher placing.

After checking with Trainer Mr S Marsh, Mr McNab advised he had no riding commitments which would prevent any suspension taking effect immediately.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined Mr McNab’s carelessness to be in the mid range and adopted a 7-day suspension as the starting point in accordance with the NZTR Penalty Guide as of February 2023.

Reviewing the available footage, it is evident that Mr McNab permitted OUTOVSTOCK to shift inwards while making a strong finish down the outside, and he did not appear to make any attempt to correct his line of running. Although JUST AS SHARP may have shifted slightly outward, it was predominantly Mr McNab’s failure to maintain a straight course that resulted in the two intervening runners being crowded out. The severity of this interference prompted objections from the connections of the 2 affected horses.

Although Mr McNab is a very busy Rider with 782 NZ rides in the last 12 months, his careless riding breaches are mounting and warrant a 1-day uplift. There is a further 1- day uplift for the Group 3 status of the race. The only mitigating factor was Mr McNab’s ready admision of the breach. Balancing all factors, an 8 day suspension was considered appropriate.

The Penalty Guide provides for fines to be added as a percentage of the Jockey’s share of stake when the offence occurs in a Black Type Race. Mr McNab’s share for winning the Group 3 Higgins Concrete Manawatu Classic was $3450.

After considering all factors, an 8-day suspension and a fine comprising 50% of his winnings, was considered appropriate.

Conclusion:

Mr McNab’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 8 days commencing after racing today, Saturday April 6th 2024, and concluding after racing on Friday April 14th, 2024. In addition, he is fined the sum of $1725.