Otago RC 2 June 2024 – R6 – Leah Hemi

ID: RIB42807

Respondent(s):
Leah TeAra Hemi - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr John Oatham - Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Geoff Hall

Persons Present:
Miss Rebecca Haley - Stipendiary Steward

Information Number:
A20892

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Careless Riding

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
COSY NOOK

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
02/06/2024

Race Club:
Otago Racing Club

Race Location:
Wingatui Racecourse - 285 Gladstone Road North, Mosgiel, Dunedin,

Race Number:
R6

Hearing Date:
02/06/2024

Hearing Location:
Dunedin

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Leah Hemi is suspended for 4 days

Mr Oatham alleged that Ms Hemi rode carelessly in Race 6, in that she permitted her mount to shift inwards passing the 1900 metres, dictating into the line of HALLELUJAH BROTHER, which struck a heel and blundered.

Miss Haley demonstrated on the videos that Ms Hemi, riding COSY NOOK, shifted inwards when not sufficiently clear of TELLME YOU LOVEME, which was dictated into the line of HALLELUJAH BROTHER, which struck a heel and blundered near the 1900 metres.

Ms Hemi said she was looking when she angled across. She believed Mr Cooper, the Rider of TELLME YOU LOVEME, had allowed his mount to shift ground to follow Ms Williams.

Mr Oatham said the Respondent was initially clear, but she was not her length and another clear, when she dropped in, despite her looking.

Decision

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

Submissions as to Penalty

Mr Oatham produced Ms Hemi’s record. This evidenced 2 breaches in the past 12 months. Both were early this year. Ms Hemi has had 307 rides in the past 12 months. The Stewards believed the breach was low to mid-range.

Ms Hemi accepted Mr Oatham’s description of the breach. Ms Hemi requested a deferment of penalty until after the Timaru Meeting on 9 June.

Reasons for Penalty

Ms Hemi has shifted inwards when not her length and another clear and HALLELUJAH BROTHER has clipped a heel. It was a misjudgement by Ms Hemi, who clearly looked before she shifted ground, but left the move too late. The breach is low-range, although at the higher end of that. A starting point of 5 days is appropriate. When regard is had to record, the fact that Ms Hemi, who is a busy Rider, has had 135 rides since the last breach, and admission of the breach, a one day discount is appropriate.

Conclusion

Ms Hemi’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.

Decision Date: 02/06/2024

Publish Date: 06/06/2024