Otaki-Maori RC 11 April 2026 – R7 – Rihaan Goyaram

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 7, the “NZ PUNTER OF THE YEAR @ HB SPRING CARNIVAL HAWKE’S BAY CUP”, Mr Davidson presented an Information charging Apprentice Jockey R Goyaram with careless riding, in breach of Rule 638(1)(d).

It was alleged that Mr Goyaram, the Rider of PACIFICO, permitted his mount to shift outwards near the 150 metres mark, so as to dictate to GILLIAN, ridden by Ms K Myers, so as to force that horse outwards onto HE’S A BATTLER, ridden by Mr B Queiroz, which was crowded and checked.

Mr Goyaram, assisted by Mr K Gray, admitted the breach of the Rule.

The race films, as explained by Mr Goodwin, depicted PACIFICO travelling towards the running rail moving outwards towards a gap, which was available.  But instead of availing himself of that gap, Mr Goyaram angled his mount further outwards by 5 or 6 horse widths.  In doing so, he forced Ms Myers to move her mount outwards to avoid the movement of PACIFICO which, in turn, had to crowd and contact HE’S A BATTLER, requiring Mr Queiroz to check his mount.  PACIFICO went on to run 3rd, GILLIAN finished 5th and HE’S A BATTLER was unplaced.

Mr Goyaram said his mount was “on one rein” and although he “saw the gap, but could not get into it”.  Mr Gray said that the film indicated that Ms Myers may already have been moving outward before her line was dictated.

However, the outwards movement of 5-6 horse widths in tight conditions at the final stages of the race, was clearly careless, as Mr Goyaram admitted.

DECISION:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Davidson said that a suspension had to be imposed, together with a fine, given the status of the race (Listed), level of carelessness (just below mid range) and Mr Goyaram’s record.  He has had 8 careless riding charges in the past 12 months as a busy Apprentice, with 400 rides.

Mr Goyaram made no submissions other than to say he had no riding commitments and could start any suspension immediately.  Mr Gray queried whether Mr Goyaram had, over the past year, had his riding style corrected by Jockeys’ mentors.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

From a starting point of a suspension of 6 days, a substantial uplift is necessary because:

(a)  Mr Goyaram’s extremely poor record which, despite many penalties, has not deterred further breaches.

(b)  This was a black type (Listed) race, with a stake of $120,000 and PACIFICO earned $10,800 for its 3rd placing.

An uplift of 3 days is necessary and there are no mitigating features that apply.

CONCLUSION:

Accordingly, Mr Goyaram’s Licence to ride is suspended for 9 National Riding Days, to commence at the end of racing on 11 April 2026 and to finish at the end of racing on 26 April 2026.  In addition, he is fined $265, being approximately 50% of his riding percentage for 3rd place.

In addition, the Adjudicative Committee requests the Stipendiary Stewards to direct Mr Gray arrange to meet with the “Rider Skills Review Panel” and pursuant to Rule 356(a), the NZTR appoints such a Review Panel to review Mr Goyaram’s riding manner, practices and/or techniques, and provide remedial training or advice to the Apprentice Rider.