Otago RC 28 February 2026 – R3 – Akshay Balloo
ID: RIB64454
Animal Name:
CLAUDIUS MAXIMUSS
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
28/02/2026
Race Club:
Otago Racing Club
Race Location:
Wingatui Racecourse - 285 Gladstone Road North, Mosgiel, Dunedin,
Race Number:
R3
Hearing Date:
28/02/2026
Hearing Location:
Dunedin
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Akshay Balloo is suspended for 5 days
Mr Davidson alleged that in Race 3, Mr Balloo (CLAUDIUS MAXIMUSS) rode carelessly when he shifted ground inwards when not fully clear of ZAHTAR (Ms Hudson), which was crowded and had to check.
Miss Haley demonstrated on the videos that about 100 metres after the start, Mr Balloo, who had drawn gate 13, angled his mount inwards when not clear of Ms Hudson and, in so doing, he checked her mount ZAHTAR, creating a concertina effect. BAKHITA and GOOD CRAIC were hampered. The side-on video confirmed that Mr Balloo was not his length and another clear when he shifted ground.
Mr Balloo described the incident as a misjudgement. He said he had been focusing on the two horses in front of him and not Ms Hudson, who was behind. He was aware he was shifting ground. He said there had been no yelling and that he realised he needed to take better care.
Decision
As Mr Balloo has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
Submissions as to Penalty
Mr Davidson produced Mr Balloo’s record. This evidenced three breaches in the past 12 months. All were last year. Mr Davidson explained that Mr Balloo had had time out with injury and had had 220 rides in that time. The Stewards believed the breach was low to mid-range and that the Respondent’s record could be regarded as neutral and credit should be given for admission of the breach.
Mr Balloo accepted Mr Davidson’s description of the breach. He reiterated he would take better care in the future.
Reasons for Penalty
Mr Balloo has shifted inwards not long after the start when not his length and another clear of Ms Hudson and, in so doing, he has checked her mount ZAHTAR, with a concertina effect hampering BAKHITA and GOOD CRAIC.
The breach is low to mid-range. A starting point of 6 days is appropriate. When regard is had to record and admission of the breach, there is a one-day reduction in penalty.
Conclusion
Mr Balloo’s Licence to ride in races is suspended from the conclusion of racing on 8 March, until the conclusion of racing on 15 March 2026, 5 national riding days.
Decision Date: 28/02/2026
Publish Date: 03/03/2026