Otago RC 28 April 2024 – R1 – Dan Subramaniam

Mr Oatham alleged that Mr Subramaniam (LUGGATE LAD) rode carelessly in Race 1, by shifting ground inwards when not sufficiently clear of SANPERION, which was checked near the 250 metres.

Miss Haley demonstrated that the Respondent was racing one off the rail forward of midfield, when Mr Campbell shifted inwards and checked him. Mr Subramaniam then shifted inwards and checked Mr Callaway, who was to his inside on the rail. He was not his length and another clear.

Miss Haley stated the Stewards believed that Mr Subramaniam should have checked his mount. She pointed out that Mr Subramaniam was still pushing his mount forward when he shifted ground.  She said that Mr Subramaniam had put his trouble on to the horse to his inside.

Mr Oatham stated that after Mr Campbell had shifted inwards, he was going away from Mr Subramaniam, when Mr Subramaniam shifted into Mr Callaway’s line. He said Mr Subramaniam was always pushing forward and should have restrained his mount.

Mr Callaway gave evidence that he had suffered interference in the straight. There was tightening from his outside. He said Mr Subramaniam was not his length and another clear when he shifted in. Mr Subramaniam said to Mr Callaway that Mr Campbell had shifted in. After viewing the videos, he agreed that Mr Campbell had not helped the situation, but he said Mr Subramaniam had continued to shift in and he had suffered a check as a consequence.

Mr Subramaniam said he had received a check from Mr Campbell, who had taken his line of running. He said he had the head of his horse turned out and was trying to give Mr Callaway room.

Mr Oatham responded that the head of LUGGATE LAD was only turned outwards after Mr Callaway was checked.

Reasons for Decision

The video evidence is clear. Mr Campbell has shifted inwards into the running line of Mr Subramaniam. Rather than check his horse, Mr Subramaniam has then shifted inwards when not clear of Mr Callaway, who has suffered a check.  Mr Callaway has stated Mr Subramaniam was not his length and another clear and the video angles support this evidence. Mr Subramaniam had the opportunity to take hold, but chose instead to angle inwards and push his mount forward. In so doing, he has ridden carelessly.

Decision

The charge is proved.

Submissions as to Penalty

Mr Oatham produced the Respondent’s record. This was Mr Subramaniam’s second day back riding in New Zealand and his first breach of the Rules. He described the breach as low to mid-range.

Mr Subramaniam did not disagree with Mr Oatham’s assessment of the breach and asked for any suspension to commence immediately.

Reasons for Penalty

Mr Subramaniam is an experienced Rider who has made a misjudgement. He should have taken hold, rather than passing his trouble on to Mr Callaway. He has just recently returned to this country’s riding ranks and this is his first breach of the Careless Riding Rule. It is a low to mid-range breach and there is no reason to vary the 6-day starting point.

Conclusion

Mr Subramaniam is suspended from the end of racing today, up to and including 8 May 2024. This is 6 national riding days.