Matamata RC 29 October 2022 – R8 – Niranjan Parmar

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 8, the Respondent Apprentice Rider N Parmar admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that as the Rider of LES CRAYERES, he permitted his mount to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of NEW YORK JAZZ, which was checked near the 125m.

The Respondent acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach. Apprentice Mentor N Harris and his employer M Walker were present to assist.

Rule 638(1) (d) provides: A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.

Using the available race films, Stipendiary Steward J Oatham demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

Mr Oatham said that approaching the 125 metre mark, the Respondent has allowed his mount to drift in and checked the weakening NEW YORK JAZZ. He said at the time of the interference, Mr Parmar was only 1 length clear.

In response, the Respondent stated his horse was laying in and it ducked in when struck with the whip.

Mr Walker said he thought the incident looked worse than it actually was, due to the actions of the Rider of the affected horse.

Decision:

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

Submission for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward B Jones produced Mr Parmar’s riding record which indicated 7  previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, this being his 8th breach.

The Respondent N Parmar has had 287 mounts in the past 12 months.

Stipendiary Steward B Jones said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low range and expected that due to his poor record, he would incur an uplift.

The Respondent advised of riding engagements through until the 5th of November, and sought a deferment to any proposed suspension.

In terms of any proposed penalty, the Respondent had nothing to add.

Mr Harris advised that Mr Parmar had been referred to the Rider Skills Panel due to his record, and was currently working with them in order to improve.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined Mr Parmar’s carelessness to be in the low range, and adopted a 5 -day (suspension) as the starting point. This conforms with the NZTR Penalty Guide (as of 1 March 2022).

The available films clearly established that the Respondent allowed his mount to move inwards when applying his whip, and in doing so, moved into the line of NEW YORK JAZZ, whose Rider had to take a hold for a stride or 2.

The Respondent’s riding record is treated as an aggravating factor, and it is concerning that Mr Parmar continues to breach the Careless Riding Rules despite undertaking work with the Rider Skills Review Panel. For Mr Parmar’s poor record, a 3 day uplift to the starting point is applied.

After consideration of the above factors, a 8-day suspension was imposed.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted, and  his licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 8 days commencing after racing on 5th of November, and concluding after racing on the 16th of November.