Otaki-Maori RC 24 June 2022 – R4 – Mereana Hudson

FACTS:

Ms Hudson admitted a breach of Rule 636(1)(d) in that she failed to ride “ROCMANA” out to the end of the Race when there was a reasonable chance of running into third place.

Ms Hudson said that she understood the Rule, Charge and confirmed that she admitted the breach.

Mr Oatham showed film replays and said that “ROCMANA” was finishing on down the outside, and approximately 2 strides short of the post, Ms Hudson sat up and was beaten for third placing by a nose.

Ms Hudson said that she had been riding her mount quite vigorously from the 1000m and that it wanted to run in.  She added that it was poor judgement at the end.

DECISION:

As the charge was admitted it was found proved.

PENALTY SUBMISSIONS:

The record showed that Ms Hudson was due to commence a suspension at the conclusion of today’s meeting for a similar breach of the Rule, that occurred at Trentham on 18 June 2022 (two week suspension).

Mr Coppins placed today’s breach at the low-end and said that the horse had been ridden vigorously earlier on.

Ms Hudson said that she does try very hard, reiterated that it was a hard ride and said that she just misjudged it on this occasion.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

Ms Hudson had been riding her mount out a long way from home and it was inclined to lay in. It was accepted that it was an error of judgement only.

Taking into account the Penalty Guide starting point of 3-weeks suspension, the record, the relative hard ride and the low-range breach, it was determined that a suspension of two weeks was a suitable penalty.

 CONCLUSION:

Ms Hudson’s Jockey’s Licence was suspended from 8 July through to and including Racing on 22 July 2022.