Otago RC 28 April 2024 – R1 – Kylie Williams

Mr Oatham alleged that Ms Williams rode carelessly in Race 1, in that she permitted her mount SO GRACEFUL to shift inwards in the straight, dictating MISSONI inwards onto RACCOURCI, resulting in MR GEE being checked prior to the finish.

Miss Haley demonstrated on the videos that Ms Williams shifted in gradually in the home straight, resulting in Mr Campbell having to check his mount near the winning post. She noted that SO GRACEFUL was wanting to hang in.

Mr Oatham commented there was some attempt by Ms Williams to straighten her mount, but she had gone back to the whip and continued to shift inwards. Mr Campbell had run out of room.

Ms Williams said it was an error of judgement. She had given SO GRACEFUL one and should have straightened her mount before giving her another. She agreed with the Adjudicative Committee that she had kept riding her mount out using the whip.

Decision

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

Submissions as to Penalty

Mr Davidson produced the Respondent’s record. This was Ms Williams’ third breach of the Careless Riding Rule. He said Ms Williams has had 501 rides in the past 12 months. He described the breach as low end.

Ms Williams agreed the breach was low end. It was a misjudgement. She stated she wished the suspension to commence after Riccarton on 4 May.

Reasons for Penalty

Ms Williams has shifted ground inwards when not clear of the horses to her inside, which has resulted in Mr Campbell running out of room. She is an experienced Rider who has made a misjudgement on this occasion. This is her third breach of the Careless Riding Rule, but in light of the fact she is a very busy South Island Rider, it may be regarded as a good record. It is a low range breach and from a 5-day starting point, there is a one-day reduction for admission of the breach and record.

Conclusion

Ms Williams is suspended from the end of racing on 4 May, to and including 10 May 2024. This is 4 national riding days.