Otago RC 2 March 2024 – R8 – Brandon May
ID: RIB39670
Animal Name:
BLINK OF AN EYE
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
02/03/2024
Race Club:
Otago Racing Club
Race Location:
Wingatui Racecourse - 285 Gladstone Road North, Mosgiel, Dunedin,
Race Number:
R8
Hearing Date:
02/03/2024
Hearing Location:
Dunedin
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Brandon May is suspended for 6 days
Mr Davidson alleged that Mr May allowed his mount BLINK OF AN EYE in Race 8, to shift ground inwards when not clear of LADY OF COURT which was checked near the 150 metres.
Mr Davidson demonstrated on the videos that Mr May was racing near the rear of the field. Mr May shifted inwards and forced LADY OF COURT (Ms Sutherland) towards the rail and across heels. Mr May continued to ride his horse out, including using the whip, and while he grabbed his mount, it was too late.
Mr May said it was a green horse. When Mr Moseley had shifted out, he saw a gap opening to the inside. He knew he was angling in, and BLINK OF AN EYE had made an over-exaggerated movement when he hit it. He did not know LADY OF COURT was there when he first pressed forward. He agreed he had shifted in too much. He added he believed Ms Sutherland had looked to run in first.
Mr Davidson replied there was no way Ms Sutherland could have stayed where she was.
DecisionÂ
As Mr May has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
Submissions as to Penalty
Mr Davidson produced the Respondent’s record, which evidenced 3 breaches of this Rule in the past 12 months, which were low to mid-range. The last was in December. He said Mr May was a busy Rider and had had 169 rides this season. He described this breach as low to mid-range. Relevant factors were that the horse was a 3-year-old having only its 5th start and that it was a Listed Race.
Mr May stated he accepted Mr Davidson’s submissions and wished the suspension to start after racing at Gore next Sunday, the 10th of March.
Reasons for Penalty
Mr May has shifted ground inwards when not his length and another clear of Ms Sutherland, who has been forced across heels. Mr May was aware his mount was shifting ground and has continued to press forward.
It is a low to mid-range breach and from a 6-day starting point, there is a one-day uplift for the fact it is a Listed Race and a similar reduction for admission of the breach together with record.
Conclusion
Mr May is suspended from the end of racing next Sunday 10 March, until the conclusion of racing on Friday 22 March. This is 6 national riding days.
Decision Date: 02/03/2024
Publish Date: 05/03/2024