Matamata RC 20 September 2023 – R8 – INNOCENT VICTIM
ID: RIB27605
Animal Name:
INNOCENT VICTIM
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
20/09/2023
Race Club:
Matamata Racing Club
Race Location:
Matamata Racecourse - 7555 State Highway 27, R D 3, Matamata, 3440
Race Number:
R8
Hearing Date:
20/09/2023
Hearing Location:
Matamata Racecourse
Outcome: Determination
Penalty: The horse INNOCENT VICTIM is disqualified
Evidence
Mr Dooley requested a Ruling under Rule 647(1) with respect to INNOCENT VICTIM being placed 4th, due to its Rider Mr H McNeill, failing to weigh in as required following the race.
Mr Dooley stated that after the race the Stewards were informed, that the Rider of the 4th placed horse, INNOCENT VICTIM, had not weighed in as required. On investigation, it was found that Mr McNeill had gone into the Jockeys’ Room and been there unsupervised without weighing in. In the circumstances, the Stewards could not be satisfied that INNOCENT VICTIM had carried the correct weight and requested it be disqualified from the race.
Mr McNeill (assisted by Mr Harris) admitted the breach stating that he had simply forgotten to weigh in. The Stewards accepted that it was simply a fact that Mr McNeill had forgotten and it was not a deliberate action on his part. It was noted that he had ridden earlier in the programme at a lighter weight so there was no concern over him being unable to make the weight.
Reasons for Decision
Rule 647(1) states:
All Riders in a Race shall weigh-in, unless excused from doing so by a Stipendiary Steward. A horse whose Rider does not weigh in shall, in addition to any other penalty which may be imposed, be disqualified from the Race, unless the Stipendiary Stewards are satisfied that the:
(a) Rider’s failure to weigh-in, in accordance with this Rule, was justified by extraordinary circumstances, including if the Stipendiary Stewards are satisfied that, on account of accident or sudden illness, it is impracticable for him to weigh in; and
(b) Rider weighed out correctly with, and carried, his proper weight.
This provision requires a Rider shall weigh in unless excused from doing so by a Stipendiary Steward. Further, the horse shall be disqualified unless the failure to weigh-in is justified by extraordinary circumstances, including if the Stipendiary Stewards are satisfied that, on account of accident or sudden illness, it is impracticable for the Rider to weigh in.
Mr McNeill was not excused by the Stewards and there was no accident or illness or any extraordinary circumstance in this case.
Decision
The Stewards were advised that INNOCENT VICTIM should be disqualified in Race 8 in accordance with Rule 647(1).
Decision Date: 20/09/2023
Publish Date: 21/09/2023