Otago RC 28 March 2025 – R7 – Toni Davies
ID: RIB53174
Animal Name:
MAMAEA
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 B Rider Toni Davies is suspended for 5 days
Mr Davidson alleged that in Race 7, Ms Davies rode carelessly in that she permitted her mount MAMAEA to shift outwards when not sufficiently clear of THE MOTIVATOR, which was checked near the 1000 metres.
Mr Oatham demonstrated on the videos that the Respondent was towards the rear of the field near the 1000 metres. She shifted outwards abruptly, when not clear of THE MOTIVATOR (Mr Jogoo), which was checked.
Ms Davies said her horse started hanging and she saw clear air and had shifted ground. She was not clear of Mr Jogoo and said she should have been “on to it a bit quicker”.
Ms Hemi assisted Ms Davies and emphasised it was Ms Davies’ first time riding at Wingatui, and she did not know the horse that she was riding. MAMAEA had put her in a difficult position. The horse had grabbed the bridle and put her in an awkward spot.
Decision
As Ms Davies has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
Submissions as to Penalty
Mr Davidson produced the Respondent’s record, which evidenced 2 previous breaches of this Rule in the past 6 months. The last breach was at Manawatu in December. Ms Davies has had 298 rides in the past 12 months. Mr Davidson submitted that this record should be considered to be reasonably good. The breach on this occasion was low to mid-range.
Ms Davies confirmed her record and both her and Ms Hemi confirmed the Stewards’ assessment of the gravity of the breach. Ms Davies commented that she wished the suspension to start after racing on 5 April. The Stewards did not object to this.
Reasons for Penalty
The Penalty Guide provides a 7-day starting point for a mid-range breach and 5 days for low-range. The outwards movement is quite abrupt, and the breach is agreed to be correctly placed between the two. A 6-day starting point is adopted. There is a one-day discount for admission of the breach and record.
Conclusion
Ms Davies is suspended from the end of racing on 5 April, up to and including 13 April 2025. This is 5 National Riding days.
Decision Date: 28/03/2025
Publish Date: 01/04/2025