Marton JC 1 March 2023 – R3 – Sam Spratt

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 3, the Respondent Class A Rider Ms Spratt admitted a charge of careless riding filed pursuant to  Rule 638(1)(d). The Information alleged:

“Allowed her mount to shift outwards near the 300m when not clear of Acting Up which was checked.”

Ms Spratt acknowledged that she understood the Rule and confirmed her 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

Using available films, Stipendiary Steward N Goodwin demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

Approaching the 300 metre mark, Ms Spratt looked to move her mount away from the fence when not sufficiently clear of ACTING UP (Ms K Hercock). This action in turn caused Ms Hercock to check her mount. When asked for comment, Ms Spratt readily acknowledged an error in judgement and added that she underestimated how well Ms Hercock’s mount was travelling.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr Oatham produced Ms Spratt’s riding record outlining 2 previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule within the last 12 months namely:

Rotorua 3/3/2022 mid range – suspended 6 days

Pukekohe 26/12/2022 low to mid range – suspended 5 days and fined $300 (Listed Race)

The aforementioned record is in the context of a busy schedule with Ms Spratt having had 524 rides within the 12 month period. Stewards contended that the level of carelessness sat at the low to mid range.

Ms Spratt sought deferment of any penalty (to the close of racing on the 11th March 2023  – 10 days) to satisfy riding engagements. She had nothing further to add in relation to any penalty.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering submissions and reviewing film, the Adjudicative Committee determined Ms Spratt’s carelessness  to sit at slightly above low range and adopted a 5 day suspension as a starting point. Film clearly demonstrates that Ms Spratt rolled away from the fence when her mount was insufficiently clear of ACTING UP – causing this horse to be checked.

A 5 day suspension was in turn reduced by 1 day to reflect record (acknowledging that the 3/3/2022 breach was only 2 days from ‘falling off’ as a reference) along with the Respondent’s ready admission of the breach.

Conclusion:

Deferment of  suspension was granted. Accordingly, Ms Spratt’s licence to ride in races is suspended for 4 national riding days from the close of racing on 11th March 2023 up to and including 18th March 2023.