Oamaru JC 16 August 2024 – R7 – Donovan Cooper

ID: RIB45379

Respondent(s):
Donovan Cooper - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
Miss Rebecca Haley - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Geoff Hall

Persons Present:
Mr Mark Davidson - Stipendiary Steward

Information Number:
A20518

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Careless Riding

Rule(s):
638(1)(d) - Riding/driving infringement

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
HIGH EXPECTATIONS

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
16/08/2024

Race Club:
Oamaru Jockey Club

Race Location:
Oamaru Racecourse - Highway 1, Oamaru North, Oamaru, 9494

Race Number:
R7

Hearing Date:
16/08/2024

Hearing Location:
Oamaru

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Donovan Cooper is suspended for 6 days

Miss Haley alleged that Mr Cooper rode carelessly in Race 7 in that he angled his mount HIGH EXPECTATIONS inwards, when not clear of LISE PAREE, which was checked passing the 1100 metres.

Mr Davidson demonstrated on the videos, that Mr Cooper, who jumped from a wide barrier, made an angled run to the rail across heels. In so doing, he came into the line of Mr Jogoo, who had to check his mount and lost ground.

Mr Davidson commented that Mr Cooper was not his length and another clear at the time. Miss Haley demonstrated this by playing 2 video angles.

Mr Cooper said he was trying to angle in. His horse had more momentum than he intended. He tried to take hold, but was too late.

Mr Laking agreed with Mr Cooper’s assessment of the breach. He added that Mr Cooper had gone in a bit quicker than he intended. The momentum had taken him in when he had tried to pull back.

Decision 

As Mr Cooper has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

Submissions as to Penalty

Miss Haley produced the Respondent’s record. This was Mr Cooper’s fourth breach of the Rule since 2 June this year and his 6th since August last year. She described the breach as low range. While Mr Jogoo had had to check his mount, he had not lost a lot of ground.

Mr Laking agreed the breach was low end. It was a complete misjudgement by Mr Cooper. There was only half a length in it, and he should have simply followed the leader over to the rail.

Mr Cooper sought a deferment until after racing on the 17th of August.

Reasons for Penalty

Mr Cooper has shifted ground quickly inwards shortly after the start when not clear of Mr Jogoo, who had had to check his mount. He is an Apprentice Jockey who has made a misjudgement. This is Mr Cooper’s fourth breach of the Careless Riding Rule in the past 2 and a half months and his 6th since August last year. It is a low range breach and from a 5-day starting point, there is a 2-day uplift for record and a one-day reduction for admission of the breach.

Conclusion

Mr Cooper is suspended from the end of racing on 17 August, up to and including 29 August. This is 6 National Riding Days.

Decision Date: 16/08/2024

Publish Date: 18/08/2024