Otago RC 2 June 2024 – R5 – Donovan Cooper

Mr Oatham alleged that Mr Cooper rode carelessly in Race 5 in that he permitted his mount LOFTYS GIFT to shift inwards passing the 175 metres when not sufficiently clear of LEITRIM LAD which was checked.

Miss Haley demonstrated on the videos that Mr Cooper, when not his length and another clear, shifted inwards from a 4-wide to a 2-wide position in the home straight.

Mr Laking, the Apprentice Mentor, spoke on behalf of Mr Cooper. He agreed that Mr Cooper had shifted in and commented that there had been a bit of inside movement as well.

Mr Cooper acknowledged that he had been pushing his horse forward and he was aware at the time that he was shifting ground.

Decision

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

Submissions as to Penalty

Mr Oatham produced Mr Cooper’s record. This evidenced 2 breaches in the past 12 months. Both were last year, one in August and the other in December. Mr Cooper has had 160 rides in the past 12 months and is currently a busy South Island Apprentice Rider.

Mr Oatham said the Respondent had shifted ground “a lot” before he had taken remedial action. The Stewards believed the breach was very close to mid-range.

Mr Laking accepted Mr Oatham’s description of the breach. He also observed that Mr Cooper had shifted in a fair way.

Reasons for Penalty

Mr Cooper has shifted inwards when not his length and another clear of inside runners with one horse being checked. The parties agree the inwards shift is substantial. The breach is mid-range. A starting point of 7 days is appropriate. When regard is had to record and admission of the breach, a one day reduction in the starting point is appropriate.

Conclusion

Mr Cooper’s Licence to ride in races is suspended from the conclusion of racing today, 2 June, until the conclusion of racing on 12 June 2024. This is 6 national riding days.