Oamaru JC 20 June 2024 – R3 – Donovan Cooper

Mr Davidson alleged that Mr Cooper rode carelessly in Race 3 in that he permitted his mount PATCH To shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of LISE PAREE which was checked near the 900 metres hampering TRANQUIL EYES which was also checked.

Mr Oatham demonstrated on the videos that Mr Cooper, when not his length and another clear, shifted inwards near the 900 metres and in so doing, checked LISE PAREE. TRANQUIL EYES was also checked.

Mr Davidson added that LISE PAREE became fired up because of the incident.

Mr Laking, the Apprentice Mentor, spoke on behalf of Mr Cooper. He agreed that Mr Cooper had shifted in when not clear. He commented that Mr Cooper was out wide and was looking for cover. He had taken hold of his horse to go in.

Mr Cooper said he was trying to get in and he had made a misjudgement.

Decision

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

Submissions as to Penalty

Mr Davidson produced Mr Cooper’s record. This evidenced 3 breaches in the past 12 months. Two were last year, one in August and the other in December. The most recent was earlier this month at Wingatui. He said Mr Cooper has had 177 rides in the past 12 months and is currently a sought after South Island Apprentice Rider. The Stewards believed the breach was mid-range. Mr Cooper had come in “too tight”.

Mr Laking accepted Mr Davidson’s description of the breach.

Mr Cooper sought a deferment of penalty until after the meeting at Wingatui on 30 June. The Stewards did not object to this.

Reasons for Penalty

Mr Cooper has shifted inwards when not his length and another clear of inside runners, with two horses being checked as a result. The inwards shift is quite marked, and Mr Cooper has almost clipped a heel of the horse in front in the process. The breach is clearly mid-range. A starting point of 7 days is appropriate. When regard is had to record, which includes a very recent breach, and despite admission of the breach, a penalty at the starting point is appropriate.

Conclusion

Mr Cooper’s Licence to ride in races is suspended from the conclusion of racing on 30 June, until the conclusion of racing on 11 July 2024. This is 7 national riding days.