Otago RC 9 September 2022 – R7 – Wesley Papier

Background

Miss Haley alleged that Mr Papier had allowed his mount LUCYBELLE in Race 7 to shift inwards near the 600 metres when not clear of HALLOWING COMMANDS which was hampered.

 Mr Oatham demonstrated on the videos that the Respondent was racing one off the rail mid-field. He was racing in tight quarters when Mr Laking and Mr Moseley both improved their mounts. He then shifted in when barely a length clear of Mr Campbell, who had to take hold of his mount, HALLOWING COMMANDS.

Mr Papier explained he had been trying to keep safe and away from Mr Laking and Mr Moseley. He had thought he was clear of Mr Campbell when he shifted in, but he accepted he was not.

Ms Burrows stated that LUCYBELLE had a tendency to race erratically. If she was restrained, she could react to that.

Decision

As Mr Papier has admitted the breach it is found to be proved.

Penalty submissions  

Miss Haley produced the Respondent’s record. This evidenced this was his second breach of this Rule. He had been suspended for 6 days on 12 June for a mid-range breach. Otherwise, Mr Papier’s record was good. He had 33 rides the past 12 months. The Stewards viewed the breach as low range. Mr Papier agreed with this. He also said he was getting counselling which was helping with his raceday riding.

Reasons for penalty

Mr Papier has admitted a low-range breach of the Careless Riding Rule. He has shifted inwards when not clear of Mr Campbell, who had to take hold. He said he thought he was clear but acknowledged he should have looked. There is one previous breach of this Rule and Mr Papier’s record is regarded as neutral in the circumstances.

A penalty at the 5-day starting point is appropriate.

Conclusion

Mr Papier is suspended from the end of racing today up to and including 16 September 2022. This is 5 days.