Otago RC 28 March 2025 – R7 – Akshay Balloo
ID: RIB53172
Animal Name:
STOUT
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
28/03/2025
Race Club:
Otago Racing Club
Race Location:
Wingatui Racecourse - 285 Gladstone Road North, Mosgiel, Dunedin,
Race Number:
R7
Hearing Date:
28/03/2025
Hearing Location:
Dunedin
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Class A Rider Akshay Balloo is suspended for 6 days
Mr Davidson alleged that in Race 7, Mr Balloo rode carelessly in that he permitted his mount STOUT to shift outwards when not sufficiently clear of ALBAZINGA, which was checked near the 250 metres.
Mr Oatham demonstrated on the videos that the Respondent was racing 3 off the fence after the field had rounded the home bend. He was making good ground, and he shifted outwards when not clear of ALBAZINGA (Mr Muniandy), which was checked. Mr Oatham assessed the movement as being 2 horse widths and for the Respondent only to be ¾ of a length clear of Mr Muniandy when he shifted ground. Mr Muniandy had shifted to the inside of STOUT and had again been inconvenienced when Mr Balloo straightened his mount.
Mr Balloo agreed that he had shifted ground when not clear of Mr Muniandy. He said he was not aware that Mr Muniandy was there. There was better ground to the outside and he was looking for it. There had been no yelling.
Decision
As Mr Balloo has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
Submissions as to Penalty
Mr Davidson produced the Respondent’s record, which evidenced 3 previous breaches of this Rule in the past 6 months. The last breach was at Timaru in December. Mr Balloo has had 224 rides in the past 12 months. Mr Davidson submitted that this record could be considered to be neutral. The breach on this occasion was mid-range.
Mr Balloo confirmed his record. He stated he wished the suspension to start after racing at Ashburton on the 3rd of April.
Reasons for Penalty
The breach is mid-range. Mr Balloo has shifted outwards 2 horse widths looking for better ground, when not clear of Mr Muniandy, who has had to check his mount. The Penalty Guide provides a 7-day starting point for a mid-range breach. Mr Balloo’s record is regarded as neutral and there is a one-day discount for admission of the breach.
Conclusion
Mr Balloo is suspended from the end of racing on 3 April, up to and including 12 April 2025. This is 6 National Riding days.
Decision Date: 28/03/2025
Publish Date: 01/04/2025