Matamata RC 7 June 2023 – (Races 1, 5, 6, 9) – Ryan Elliot

ID: RIB22696

Respondent(s):
Ryan Elliot - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr C Simpson - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr G R Jones

Persons Present:
Mr Simpson, Mr Elliot (via phone)

Information Number:
A18970

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Failed to make contracted weight for 4 rides

Rule(s):
330(3)(c) - Weight Infringement

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
CADA CAMINO, KAIMAI QUEEN, KEEPZ OCCURRING and ZIPPILLY

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
07/06/2023

Race Club:
Matamata Racing Club

Race Location:
Matamata Racecourse - 7555 State Highway 27, R D 3, Matamata, 3440

Race Number:
R1

Hearing Date:
07/06/2023

Hearing Location:
Matamata Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Ryan Elliot is fined $300

Evidence:

The Applicant, Stipendiary Steward Mr Simpson filed an Information pursuant to Rule 330(3)(c) alleging that Class A Rider Ryan Elliot failed to make the contracted weight for his four mounts at the Matamata RC meeting on 7 June 2023.

The Respondent was not present on course and phoned in to the hearing. He confirmed his admission of the breach.

Rule 330(3)(c) provides:

“A rider shall not fail to ride a horse at the weight at which it is handicapped to carry.” 

This charge was dealt with 1½ hours prior to Race 1 after Mr Elliot advised Stewards that would not be attending the race meeting because was unable to make the contracted weight for his four mounts: namely R1 – CADA CAMINO (56.5 kg), R5 – KAIMAI QUEEN (57.5 kg), R6 – KEEPZ OCCURRING (58.5 kg) and R9 – ZIPPILLY (56.5 kg).

Mr Elliot said that he has contacted the connections of the horses and advised them of his unavailability.  Mr Simpson confirmed that suitable replacement Riders have now been engaged to ride each of the four horses.

Decision:

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

Submission for Penalty:

Mr Simpson said that this is Mr Elliot’s 3rd breach of the Rule within the last 120 days.  His previous breach resulted in a fine via the Minor Infringement Schedule. He submitted a fine of $300 was sought.

Mr Elliot asked if a 2-day suspension could be imposed in lieu of a fine.

Reasons for Penalty:

The MIN schedule establishes a $100 fine as the starting point for a first breach of this Rule.  In circumstances where Stewards elect to file an Information, determination of penalties are fact dependent.

The Adjudicative Committee considered the submissions and for consistency, took some guidance from previous penalties for similar breaches. In that regard, a fine of $300 is generally imposed for a third breach.  Mr Elliot sought a 2-day suspension but did not outline his reasons for a suspension as opposed to a fine.

Given the circumstances and balancing the interests of the Respondent including his record; and the interests of all stakeholders, the Adjudicative Committee determined that a fine as opposed to the suspension sought by Mr Elliot was the most appropriate penalty under the circumstances of this case.

Conclusion:

Class A Rider Mr Elliot is fined $300.

Decision Date: 07/06/2023

Publish Date: 07/06/2023