Otago RC 2 March 2024 – R9 (heard 7 March 2024 at Riccarton) – Kylie Williams

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Following the running of Race 9, an Information was filed by Stipendiary Steward, Mr Mark Davidson, against Ms Kylie Williams, alleging careless riding, in that she permitted her mount THE GREY GOOSE, to shift inwards under pressure crowding TURF WAR, which had to check near the 50 metre mark.

The hearing was adjourned sine die and heard at Riccarton on 7 March 2024.

Rule 638(1)(d) reads as follows;

“(1) A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be:

    (d) careless”

Ms Williams had indicated on the Information that this breach of the Rules was admitted, which she confirmed at the hearing. Ms Williams also acknowledged that she understood the charge and the Rule it was brought under.

The video replay of the race was not able to be played on the big screen, however, Ms Williams consented to the hearing continuing with the replays being visible on Mr Davidson’s computer screen.

SUBMISSIONS:

Mr Davidson used the race films to show the incident. Mr Davidson said that Ms Williams’ mount was green and had been trying to run in, he showed her attempt to keep her mount straight, but when she pushed the horse forward, it shifted inwards. As a result, TURF WAR had to steady.

Ms Williams said she had never ridden this horse before and it was awkward and erratic.

DECISION:

As Ms Williams had admitted the breach, the charge was found to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY:

Mr Davidson said Ms Williams had one relevant prior breach of this Rule.

• 18 May 2023 at Riccarton where 4 days was imposed for a low range breach

Mr Davidson said Ms Williams had had 472 rides in the last 12 months and had an extremely good record. He submitted that it was clear she had tried to straighten the horse, but then rode it forward, which is when it shifted inwards. Mr Davidson sought a starting point of 5 to 6 days and said that her record, admission of the breach as well as the manner in which the horse was racing, were all mitigating factors. Furthermore, Mr Davidson acknowledged that Ms Williams would miss a significant Raceday in Wellington due to a suspension.

Mr Williams sought a deferment until after Ashburton on 14 March 2024.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee agrees that this breach is within the low range. Accordingly, the starting point adopted is a 5 day suspension. A discount of 1 day is appropriate to reflect her frank admission of the breach, and her excellent record. Consideration was also given to the way in which the horse was running and the nature of the racing dates Ms Williams would miss as part of her suspension. Accordingly, a suspension of four days is appropriate.

Ms Williams’ deferment is granted.

CONCLUSION:

Ms Williams is suspended for 4 days, from the close of racing on 14 March 2024, up to and including 22 March 2024.