Otago RC 3 December 2023 – R2 – Akshay Balloo
ID: RIB30486
Animal Name:
AMAZON GODDESS
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
03/12/2023
Race Club:
Otago Racing Club
Race Location:
Cromwell Racecourse - Wanaka- Queenstown Highway, Cromwell,
Race Number:
R2
Hearing Date:
03/12/2023
Hearing Location:
Cromwell
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Akshay Balloo is suspended for 6 days
Mr Oatham alleged that Mr Balloo rode carelessly in Race 2 in that he permitted his mount AMAZON GODDESS to shift inwards passing the 1600 metres checking PONTARDAWE (Ms Comignaghi).
Miss Haley demonstrated on the videos that Mr Balloo shifted inwards when not his length and another clear of Ms Comignaghi and, in so doing, he checked her mount PONTARDAWE. Miss Haley described the incident as a misjudgement by Mr Balloo who had not progressed sufficiently forward when shifting as there was enough room in front of Mr Balloo for him to make the move.
Mr Balloo agreed and said it was a misjudgement on his part. He had looked but he should have gone further forward before shifting in.
Decision
As Mr Balloo has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.
Submissions as to Penalty
Mr Oatham produced Mr Balloo’s record. This evidenced 2 breaches in the past 12 months. One was last year, and the other was only last month. Mr Oatham explained that Mr Balloo had had time out with injury and had only had 109 rides in that time. The Stewards believed the breach was low to mid-range. Ms Comignaghi had been calling out. There were no consequential effects resulting from Mr Balloo’s actions.
Mr Balloo accepted Mr Oatham’s description of the breach.
Reasons for Penalty
Mr Balloo has shifted inwards when not his length and another clear of Ms Comignaghi and has checked her mount PONTARDAWE. The parties agree it was a misjudgement by Mr Balloo who clearly looked on two occasions before he shifted ground. 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, a penalty at this level is appropriate.
Conclusion
Mr Balloo’s Licence to ride in races is suspended from the conclusion of racing today, 3 December until the conclusion of racing on Friday 15 December, 6 national riding days.
Decision Date: 03/12/2023
Publish Date: 07/12/2023