Otago RC 2 June 2024 – R4 – Yogesh Atchamah

Mr Oatham alleged that Mr Atchamah rode carelessly in Race 4 in that he permitted his mount MAMAEA to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of FAH RONG, which clipped a heel near the 850 metres.

Miss Haley demonstrated on the videos that Mr Atchamah shifted inwards on the corner when not his length and another clear and, in so doing, he clipped a heel. She said his mount was a green 2-year-old and Mr Atchamah had corrected his mount.

Mr Oatham assessed the Respondent to be only a length to a length and a quarter clear when he shifted.

Mr Laking assisted Mr Atchamah and pointed out that Mr Atchamah had looked before shifting in and had just misjudged it. He also noted it was a green horse.

Mr Atchamah agreed it was a misjudgement on his part. He had looked, but he had shifted in too quickly on the corner.

Decision

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

Submissions as to Penalty

Mr Oatham produced Mr Atchamah ’s record. This evidenced 2 breaches in the past 12 months. Both were last year. Mr Atchamah has had 206 rides in the past 12 months. The Stewards believed the breach was low range.

Both Mr Laking and Mr Atchamah accepted Mr Oatham’s description of the breach. Mr Atchamah requested a deferment of penalty until after the Timaru meeting on 9 June.

Reasons for Penalty

Mr Atchamah has shifted inwards when not his length and another clear and has clipped a heel. The parties agree it was a misjudgement by Mr Atchamah who clearly looked before he shifted ground, but he shifted in too quickly. The breach is low-range. A starting point of 5 days is appropriate. When regard is had to record and admission of the breach, a one day discount is appropriate.

Conclusion

Mr Atchamah’s Licence to ride in races is suspended from the end of racing on 9 June, up until the conclusion of racing on 19 June 2024. This is 4 national riding days.