R Rotorua 11 May 2024 – R5 – Masa Hashizume

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 5, the Campbell Infrastructure Rotorua Cup 2200″, Mr Jones presented an Information charging Jockey M Hashizume with careless riding in breach of Rule 638(1)(d).

He alleged that “Mr Hashizume angled his mount “BELLA WATERS” outwards when not sufficiently clear of “SPORTING CHANCE” (ridden by Mr J Doyle), which clipped a heel of BELLA WATERS and blundered, passing the 200 metres mark”.

Mr Hashizume denied the charge and the Information was heard on a defended basis.

Evidence for the Informant was from Mr Dooley, who described his expert opinion when showing the race films head, side and rear on; Mr Jones in presenting his submission on what the films depicted, and Mr J Doyle, the Rider of SPORTING CHANCE.

Mr Hashizume gave evidence as to what he said occurred.  He then sought to call Mr G Cooksley (not present on the course or at the hearing), to express his views by telephone to the Adjudicative Committee.  This was a very unusual process and not to be encouraged, but in its discretion, the Adjudicative Committee agreed to hear it, although as it turned out, it could not be given much weight.

The race films show that BELLA WATERS, travelling well, was held up coming out of the home turn.  It was behind “ENRIGHT” and no run was available to it.  A gap briefly appeared and Mr Hashizume angled out anticipating to take it.  But the gap was not fully developed, and Mr Hashizume continued to angle outwards when not clear of Mr Doyle’s mount; and contacted its hind quarters, causing it to blunder severely.  “BELLA WATERS” went on to finish first.

Mr Hashizume disagreed with Mr Jones and his evidence was that he had “a clear run”, but “ENRIGHT” ridden by Ms K Myers, moved out into my run and dictated my line when I was already in the clear gap.

Mr Cooksley, in his phone opinion, expressed the view that there was movement from both sides, Ms Myers moved out so as to “make it tight…” and “the run was taken away from Mr Hashizume”.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

The simple fact was, as evidence from all the films illustrate, that Mr Hashizume never got into the momentary gap before it closed.  He was entitled to move out from behind “ENRIGHT” to aim for the gap, but when it closed, he had to take hold of his mount.  But he chose to continue to angle out significantly when there was no run, create a gap by force and cause severe interference to SPORTING CHANCE.  The claim by Mr Hashizume that he was already in a gap and was dictated to by “ENRIGHT”, was not accepted and the charge was found to be proved.

DECISION:

The charge was found to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Jones advised that in the past 12 months, Mr Hashizume has been a very busy Rider and had two careless riding breaches in October 2023 and April 2024.  He said the careless riding was in the mid range and that a clipping of heels nearly resulting in a fall, was an aggravating factor.

Mr Hashizume said he had nothing to say on penalty, but had no riding commitments in the next 7 days.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

Whilst the Penalty Guide refers to suspensions of 7 days for “mid range” and 5 days for “low range” offending, the Adjudicative Committee regarded the breach as somewhere between mid and low range.  It fixed a suspension of 6 National Riding Days.  In addition, as this was a Black Type (Listed) Race, with a winner’s stake of $57,500 (of which Mr Hashizume earned $2,877), he was fined 10% of that sum, namely $287.

CONCLUSION:

Mr Hashizume is suspended for 6 National Riding Days, to commence at the end of racing today, 11 May 2024, and finish at the end of racing on 22 May 2024.  He is also fined the sum of $287.