Otago RC 4 June 2023 – R3 – Tanya Jonker

Mr Dooley alleged that Ms Jonker permitted her mount IN DISGUISE in Race 3, to shift outwards when not sufficiently clear, making contact with SO MUCH MOUR, unbalancing its Rider, which resulted in SILENT BATTLER being hampered near the 450 metres.

Mr Dooley demonstrated on the videos that Ms Jonker was in the trail with SO MUCH MOUR to her outside and on level terms. The leading horse, SO NATURAL, was starting to give ground and the Respondent shifted outwards to take a run to the outside of that horse. In so doing, IN DISGUISE came into contact with SO MUCH MOUR which became unbalanced. Mr Moseley who was racing behind SO MUCH MOUR, was briefly hampered as a result. Mr Dooley said the Respondent was never her length and another clear of SO MUCH MOUR.

Ms Jonker said she had never intentionally angled her horse out. She was not asking her horse to go. She accepted it was clear, however, that she had shifted ground. She said her horse had been hanging the whole way. It was inexperienced and she did not intentionally ride to put another Jockey in danger.

Decision

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

Submissions as to Penalty

Mr Dooley produced Ms Jonker’s record, which was clear under this Rule. He described the breach as low range.

Ms Jonker accepted the Informant’s submission and asked for a deferment until after racing at Timaru on 11 June.

Reasons for Penalty

The videos evidence clear contact between IN DISGUISE and SO MUCH MOUR, with the latter horse becoming unbalanced and Mr Moseley (SILENT BATTLER), being hampered. They also show that Ms Jonker was not her length and another clear when she shifted outwards.

The breach is low to mid-range. Two Jockeys were affected by Ms Jonker’s shifting ground. From a 6-day starting point, a one-day credit is given for record and admission of the breach.

Conclusion

Ms Jonker is suspended from the end of racing on 11 June, up to and including 21 June. This is 5 National Riding days.