Marton JC 24 September 2022 – R6 – Lily Sutherland

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 6, the Respondent admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d). Details are as follows:

“in that Lily Sutherland (DUCK ROAD) allowed her mount to shift inwards tightening QUEEN SARABI near the 300m”

The Respondent conveyed that she had discussed the charge with Ms Clapperton and was able to confirm her admission of the breach.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides:

“A rider shall not ride in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless”  

Using available film, Stipendiary Stewards demonstrated the incident and identified the horses involved. As the field straightened, DUCK ROAD was positioned a number of horse widths from the fence with HOOTER (Jonathan Riddell), on it’s outside and QUEEN SARABI (Craig Grylls), to it’s inside. DUCK ROAD had been leading for most of the race and at the 300 metre mark, was under pressure. Ms Sutherland then attempts to strike her mount but in error, strikes Mr Riddell. Ms Sutherland is seen to react to this by way of a glance, with that brief inattention causing her to momentarily lose control of her mount. DUCK ROAD then rolls in causing tightening to QUEEN SARABI.

It was contended that the actions of the Respondent were the cause of the incident, with same amounting to careless riding. In extending this, Mr Goodwin did illustrate that at the point of the tightening, JACKAROO (Mereanna Hudson) who was positioned to the inside of QUEEN SARABI, moved out slightly which contributed to the check.

The Respondent did not offer specific comment. Ms Clapperton added that in her view, the check was primarily a result of inexperience.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stewards outlined the riding record of the Respondent, which is clear in respect of a breach of Rule 638(1)(d). Stewards considered the infringement to represent low range careless riding. The Respondent did not offer comment in respect of penalty, but did seek deferment to satisfy riding engagements at Hawkes Bay on 1 October 2022.

Reason for Penalty:

After considering submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined carelessness to be in the low to mid range and adopted a 6 day suspension as a starting point. This is in line with the current NZTR Penalty Guide. The Adjudicative Committee is satisfied that the actions of the Respondent were the primary cause of the interference, albeit it is acknowledged that inexperience was a contributing factor.  The starting point of 6 days suspension is reduced by 2 days to reflect admission of the breach, relative inexperience and riding record.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for deferment is granted, with her licence to ride in races suspended for 4 National Riding days from the close of racing on 1 October 2022 up to and including racing on 7 October 2022.