Oamaru JC 21 July 2024 – R9 – Kylie Williams

Mr Davidson alleged that Ms Williams rode carelessly in Race 9, in that she allowed her mount THEE AULD MINX to shift in passing the 1100 metres, crowding and checking VICTOR ROUGE.

Miss Haley demonstrated on the videos that the Respondent had drawn barrier stall 8. Shortly after the start, she commenced a run towards the rail. In so doing, she crowded VICTOR ROUGE, which was racing 3 off the rail. Ms Williams clearly relieves the pressure, but this is too late.

Ms Williams said she had looked and originally there was no one there. She thought her momentum would have kept her clear. Once she heard yelling, she checked her horse. She added the other horses had rolled up underneath her.

Decision 

As Ms Williams has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

Submissions as to Penalty

Mr Davidson produced the Respondent’s record, which showed 4 breaches in the past 12 months. He said Ms Williams’ recent record was not great, as there had been 3 breaches in the past 6 months. The Stewards viewed the breach as low-range. He said normally one would expect the horses to the inside of Ms Williams to shift in towards the rail, but because of the condition of the track, they had stayed out.

Ms Williams did not disagree with Mr Davidson’s comments.

Reasons for Penalty

Ms Williams has admitted a breach, which the Adjudicative Committee assesses as being low-range. Ms Tait has had to check her mount as a consequence of Ms Williams shifting ground when not clear. A five-day starting point is appropriate. Ms Williams is an experienced South Island Rider with a record of recent breaches, all of which are low range. She is a busy Rider, having had 510 rides this season. In this context, her record is regarded as a neutral factor. She has admitted the breach. A one-day reduction is appropriate from the starting point.

Conclusion

Ms Williams does not seek any deferment of her suspension. She is suspended from riding from the end of racing today, up to and including Friday 26 July 2024. This is 4 National Riding Days.