R Rotorua 10 December 2023 – R9 – Warren Kennedy
ID: RIB30707
Animal Name:
ARROWETTE
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
10/12/2023
Race Club:
Rotorua Racing Club
Race Location:
Arawa Park Racecourse - 274 - 287 Fenton Street, Glenhome, Rotorua, 3010
Race Number:
R9
Hearing Date:
10/12/2023
Hearing Location:
Rotorua
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Warren Kennedy is suspended for 5 National Riding Days
Evidence:
Following the running of Race 9, “The Rotorua Club 1230”, Mrs Selvakumaran presented an Information charging Mr W Kennedy with careless riding in breach of Rule 638(1)(d). She alleged that Mr Kennedy when riding “ARROWETTE” permitted his mount to shift inward at the 100 metre point when not sufficiently clear of “AEQUUS” (Mr Grylls) which had to be steadied to avoid the heels of “ARROWETTE” and as a result “COMPOSURE” (Mr J Doyle) was checked.
Mr Kennedy admitted the charge.
The films and evidence established that when “ARROWETTE” was travelling well, and Mr Kennedy was commencing a run into a gap at the 150 metre mark, the gap then closed due to movement (permissible) by horses in front of him. Accordingly, Mr Kennedy sought a run to the inside but in doing so, he was not sufficiently clear of “AEQUUS”. The experience and skill of Mr Grylls avoided any contact but the necessary resulting easing led to the firm check by Mr Doyle on “COMPOSURE”.
Decision:
As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.
Submissions for Penalty:
The Informant expressed a view that the carelessness was in the low/mid range; Mr Kennedy had had 4 previous breaches of the Rule over 12 months during which he had very many rides.
Mr Kennedy said he felt he was committed to the movement, once the gap he was originally seeking closed, and the momentary straightening of another horse played a part in his error.
Reasons for Penalty:
The Adjudicative Committee regarded the degree of carelessness to be in the low range. In its opinion, there is no reason to increase any suspension from the starting point guide of 5 National Riding Days. Mr Kennedy’s record, for a senior very experienced Rider, does not require any uplift as he has had very many rides over the past year and is a careful competent Rider. According to published statistics, he has had 318 rides this season, and over 800 since coming to New Zealand.
Conclusion:
Accordingly, Mr Kennedy’s Licence to ride is suspended for 5 National Riding Days to commence at the conclusion of racing on 16 December 2023, and to finish at the conclusion of racing on 24 December 2023.
Decision Date: 10/12/2023
Publish Date: 12/12/2023