Matamata RC – 12 September 2025 – R7 – Hayley Hassman

Background:

Following the running of Race 7, the ‘Graham Timms Memorial’ an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 636(1)(d). Details are as follows:

‘In that she failed to her mount ‘Sally’ out fully to the end of the race when there was a reasonable chance of finishing second.

Rule 636(1)(d) provides:

(1) A person:

(d) being the rider of a horse in a Race, must ride his horse out to the end of the Race if there is a reasonable chance of it running into a position for which there is prize money to be awarded or a dividend to be declared;

The Respondent confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee that she understood the Rule and admitted the breach. Mr Noel Harris was in attendance to assist the Respondent.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards identified the incident and horses involved. Approaching the turn SALLY was against the fence leading the field. To its outside were KING WILLIAM (Ms J Fawcett) and VIVA GLAM (Mr O Bosson). All 3 horses were finishing strongly. Approximately 50 metres from the line KING WILLIAM gained an advantage over SALLY. The Respondent is then seen to stand and drop her hands over the last 4-5 strides of the Race. VIVA GLAM  continues to finish on into second place. The margin between 2nd and 3rd was a head.  Stewards contended that the Respondent had an unimpeded run to the line and had no reason to ease her mount. Ms Hassman commented that she had misjudged the line and thought at the time she had ridden out. Mr Harris added that Ms Hassman had eased given that the horse to her immediate outside had gained an advantage however she should have remained aware the the horse to the outside was continuing its run.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stewards outlined the Respondent’s record as it relates to any breach of this particular Rule. The Respondent had been suspended for 5 days after a breach of the Rule at the Otago RC meeting at Wingatui on 1st June 2025. Interestingly, the Respondent had been reminded after Race 2 of today’s meeting as to her obligation to ensure she rides her mounts out to the end of a race as circumstances permit. The Respondent has 147 rides over the last twelve months. Stewards confirmed that the horse had been vet checked after the race with no abnormality detected. Stewards asked that when determining penalty it reflected the seriousness of the offence in particular the difference in Stake between 2nd and 3rd place ($1,665) along with betting public expectation. The committee were referred to the current NZTR Penalty Guide.

Ms Hassman did not offer specific comment as to penalty although sought deferment to any suspension to satisfy riding engagements on 21st September 2025.

Reasons for Penalty:

The breach is suitably illustrated by film. It is incumbent on a Jockey to ensure that their mount finishes in the best possible position.

The current NZTR Penalty Guide provides for a starting point of a 4 week suspension in circumstances where the breach relates to a potential 2nd placing. This was adopted as the starting point. Record is seen as an aggravating factor whilst Jockey status as a relatively inexperienced apprentice provides mitigation. On balance a 4 week suspension of licence was deemed the appropriate penalty. Deferment is granted.

Conclusion: