Marton JC 2 March 2025 – R6 – Michael McNab

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 6, the “MG TILING & CLARKY’S PAINTING 1200”, Mr Goodwin presented an Information charging Mr M McNab, the Rider of “SLIPPER ISLAND” with careless riding, in breach of Rule 638(1)(d).

Mr McNab admitted the charge.

It was alleged that Mr McNab, when reaching the 200 metre mark, directed his mount outwards when insufficiently clear of “RAYET”, ridden by Ms K Myers, so as to cause that horse to be crowded and checked out of contention.

The race films (head, and side on), illustrated that “SLIPPER ISLAND” was travelling close to the inside, but needed a gap to become available as to mount a final run.  A gap momentarily appeared to open on the inside of “RAYET”, ridden by Ms K Myers.  Seeing this, Mr McNab elected to make a run for “SLIPPER ISLAND” towards it.  But before his mount could proceed further, and before he was into the gap, it closed so that in fact, no gap existed into which he could proceed.  But he continued and angled his mount outwards in order to barge his way out so as to obtain room and in doing so, forcefully came into contact with “RAYET”. Ms Myers had to severely check her mount.  “SLIPPER ISLAND” went on to win the race by a margin of a long head.  “RAYET’S” chances had been extinguished.

Mr McNab very fairly accepted his error in breaching the Careless Riding Rule, explaining that when the gap that first appeared had closed, he felt “committed” to proceed.

Decision:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Goodwin advised that Mr McNab, as a Senior and very successful and busy Rider, had 3 previous careless riding breaches over the last 12 months from many rides and his record could be said to be “good”.  He submitted that the level of careless riding on this occasion was above mid-range and a suspension was necessary.

Mr McNab did not advance a view that a suspension should not follow, but advised that he had commitments over the next 7 days including at Ellerslie next Saturday.

Reasons for Penalty:

From a starting point of 7 days suspension, as recommended in the NZTR Penalty Guide, the Adjudicative Committee concluded that an uplift of 2 days was appropriate to reflect the fact that “SLIPPER ISLAND” narrowly won the race, earning a stake of $23,000 and that Mr McNab knew he was impacting onto “RAYET”.  Aggravating factors for the purpose of fixing a penalty.  But for the actions of Mr McNab, his horse would clearly not have won the race.  Despite Mr McNab receiving $1,150 as his percentage of the stake, the Adjudicative Committee chose to impose no fine, but rather factored in a suspension increase.

However, the Adjudicative Committee allowed a discount of 1 day to recognise Mr McNab’s good record.

Conclusion:

Accordingly, Mr McNab’s Licence to ride is suspended for 8 National Riding Days, to commence at the conclusion of racing at Ellerslie on 8 March 2025, and to end at the conclusion of racing on 21 March 2025.