Otago RC 4 June 2023 – R8 – Yash Coonee

Mr Dooley alleged that Mr Coonee (MAKABAR), shifted ground outwards at the start of Race 8, hampering horses #10, 1, 5, 12, 14, 6 and 5 and almost dislodging Mr Kwo (#12).

Miss Haley demonstrated on the videos that the Respondent, who had drawn barrier 1, jumped out and immediately shifted outwards at least 2 horse widths.

Mr Dooley said there was a lack of control. There was contact with Mr Weatherley and a consequential concertina effect with Mr Kwo becoming quite unbalanced. Some 7 horse were impacted by MAKABAR shifting ground. He added the contact with Mr Weatherley was firm and that Mr Coonee had made a poor attempt to straighten his horse. He accepted that Mr Coonee was an inexperienced Rider, but he was as far out as barrier 6 before he straightened his horse and headed back to the rail.

Mr Coonee said the horse was leaning to the right-hand side as the field jumped. He was unbalanced as a result, and he was trying to balance the horse.

Mr Pitman said the Respondent’s actions were not intentional, but there was no excuse for a horse ending up that wide after 3 or 4 strides.  He said the horse was not inexperienced. It was a lovely kind horse and Mr Coonee was familiar with it. MAKABAR had veered out and was not under the control of its Jockey. Mr Coonee had almost dropped the rein.

Mr Walsh said he had been working with Mr Coonee, especially with the difficulty he has when jumping out of the barrier. He said Mr Coonee consistently comes out unbalanced and he was intending to obtain expert help for Mr Coonee, with respect to this issue. Mr Coonee clearly was not in proper control of MAKABAR for the first few strides.

Decision

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

Submissions as to Penalty

Mr Dooley produced the Respondent’s record. Mr Coonee has had 16 rides in the past 12 months. He had previously been based in the North Island. This was his 27th raceday ride. He has ridden one winner and has a clear record under this Rule.

Mr Dooley submitted that the breach was in the mid to high-range. He accepted that Mr Coonee was an inexperienced Rider and there was no intention involved. The consequential effects of the breach were significant.

Both Mr Pitman and Mr Walsh emphasised the Respondent’s inexperience.

Reasons for Penalty 

The videos evidence that Mr Coonee has allowed his mount to shift outwards immediately after the start. He has come into heavy contact with DARCI’S BELLE (Mr Weatherley). The extent and degree of the concertina effect is demonstrated by the fact that this has almost unseated Mr Kwo, who jumped from gate 5, from his mount, LA OPCION.

The breach is mid to high-range. From an 8-day starting point, there is 1-day reduction for admission of the breach, record, and the fact that the Respondent is an Apprentice Jockey who is working regularly with the Apprentice Mentor with respect to this issue of lack of control when his mount jumps out from the gate.

Conclusion

Mr Coonee is suspended from the end of racing today, up to and including 15 June. This is 7 National Riding days.

It is evident that Mr Coonee needs further instruction. The Adjudicative Committee supports the Stewards’ direction that he meets with an NZTR appointed Rider Skills Review Panel for remedial training under the provisions of r 343.