Otago RC 28 March 2025 – R2 – Lee Callaway

Mr Davidson alleged that in Race 2, Mr Callaway rode carelessly in that he permitted his mount JIKON to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of RESPECTABELLE, which was checked and forced inwards onto EXPENSIVE GEM, which was checked near the 1000 metres.

Mr Oatham demonstrated on the videos that the Respondent had drawn the outside barrier stall and commenced a run across the field towards the rail. In so doing, he came across on top of Mr May (RESPECTABELLE). Mr May’s mount ran away from Mr Callaway and came into the running line of EXPENSIVE GEM, which was checked. Mr Callaway again shifted in, and Mr Mudhoo again had to take hold of EXPENSIVE GEM when RESPECTABELLE came in. Mr Oatham said Mr Callaway did look as he made his move and had made an effort to straighten his mount.

Mr Callaway said he had jumped out good and he made the decision to go across before the others could catch up. He accepted he had misjudged his move. He had been trying to get across while he was still clear of RESPECTABELLE, but that horse had started better than he had realised. He agreed there had been yelling and he had corrected his horse as a consequence. The second move was because JIKON had stepped in after he had looked a second time. He was not intending to come across further at that time, or to try to get to the fence.

Decision

As Mr Callaway has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

Submissions as to Penalty

Mr Davidson produced the Respondent’s record, which evidenced 4 breaches of the Careless Riding Rule in the past 12 months. These were all low or mid-range. The last breach was in December.  He said this record was not good and the Stewards assessed it as being above neutral. He added, however, that Mr Callaway had had 265 rides in the last 12 months. He described the current breach as mid-range. Two horses were checked.

Mr Callaway confirmed his record and stated he wished the suspension to start immediately.

Reasons for Penalty

The Adjudicative Committee agrees with the Stewards’ description of the breach as mid-range. Any run across the face of the field shortly after the start of the race, has to be made with care. Mr Callaway failed to do so on this occasion and inconvenienced 2 horses. The Penalty Guide provides a 7-day starting point for a mid-range breach. Mr Callaway’s record is clear under this Rule for the last 3 months. He is a busy Rider and in these circumstances, his record is regarded as neutral. A one day reduction is made for admission of the breach.

Conclusion

Mr Callaway is suspended from the end of racing today 28 March, up to and including 5 April 2025. This is 6 National Riding days.