Non Raceday Inquiry – Written Decision dated 3 October 2022 – Courtney Barnes
ID: RIB11298
Animal Name:
VADARA
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
21/09/2022
Race Club:
Matamata Racing Club
Race Location:
Matamata Racecourse - 7555 State Highway 27, R D 3, Matamata, 3440
Race Number:
R8
Hearing Date:
28/09/2022
Hearing Location:
Cambridge Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Courtney Barnes - suspended for 4 weeks
1. The Adjudicative Committee at Cambridge Race Meeting on 28 September 2022 heard an Information presented by Stipendiary Steward Mr A Dooley following upon an Inquiry opened, and adjourned, after Race 8 at the Matamata Racing Meeting on 21 September 2022.
2. The Information alleged that Ms C Barnes committed a breach of Rule 638(1)(d) of the Rules of Racing in that race in riding carelessly in that she permitted her mount “VADARA” to shift outwards passing the 600 metre point when insufficiently clear of “DEEBEE BELLFER” ridden by Ms T Mitchell, which clipped a heel and fell, dislodging its Rider. As a result “LOOSE MONEY” ridden by D Prastiyou, was brought down and lost its Rider in that fall.
3. Ms Barnes admitted the charge.
4. Stipendiary Steward Mr B Jones demonstrated the occurrence from the race film. “VADARA” was seen to drift off its line by about 1 horse width when never one and a half lengths ahead of “DEEBEE BELLFER” causing it to clip heels and fall, with “LOOSE MONEY” immediately behind, unable to avoid the fallen runner, so also fell.
5. Ms Barnes said that she made an error of judgment in allowing her mount to shift out after it changed legs.
6. Mr Dooley advised that Ms Barnes is a very busy Rider in many venues throughout New Zealand, having had 470 rides in the past 12 months with 2 low range careless riding breaches.
7. Ms Barnes referred to her good riding record and had committed riding engagements up until Hastings on 1 October 2022.
DECISION
8. This was inattentive riding by drifting out 1 horse width. It was not high range but because it caused 2 falls (thankfully both Riders escaped serious injury), a starting point of 4 weeks suspension is required based upon earlier guides.
9. Accordingly Ms Barnes’ licence to ride is suspended for 4 weeks to commence at the end of racing on Saturday 1 October 2022 and to end at the finish of racing on Saturday 29 October 2022.
Decision Date: 28/09/2022
Publish Date: 04/10/2022