R Rotorua 16 November 2025 – R3 – Joe Doyle

Background:

Following the running of Race 3, the ‘Waitomo Fuels 1400’, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d). Details are as follows:

‘in that he permitted his mount ‘DAY ONE’ to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of ‘BURNISHED’ which was checked near the 1050 metres.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides:

(1) A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be:

(d) careless.

The Respondent confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee that he understood the Rule and admitted the breach.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards identified the incident and horses involved. The race was run over 1400 metres. Approximately 350 metres after the start, DAY ONE was positioned away from the fence behind the leaders . Mr Doyle looked to move inward to sit one off. Stewards contended that Mr Doyle was not sufficiently clear to move and in doing so, caused the check to BURNISHED – in a term used by Stewards – he sought to reverse park into position. Mr Doyle provided input. He considered there were a number of factors contributing to the incident. When he first looked over to cross, BURNISHED was racing ungenerously. At the point he moved, the horse just in front and slightly to his outside, steadied. At the time at which he initially looked to cross, he thought he had sufficient room.

Decision:

As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee found the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Stewards outlined the Respondent’s record, as it relates to any breach of this particular Rule within the 12-month reset period. There is one noted, namely Auckland TR 20 September 2025 – low to mid range (4 day suspension). Stewards contended the carelessness sat low range, with the Adjudicative Committee referred to the current Penalty Guide. Mr Doyle asked that the Adjudicative Committee consider reducing the period of any suspension with a fine introduced ‘in lieu’ of any reduction. This would enable him to ride at an upcoming premier meeting.

Reasons for Penalty:

The incident is satisfactorily identified through film. The Respondent was not sufficiently clear when moving, with his action causing a check to BURNISHED. The Respondent’s contention as it relates to action of horses to his front and rear are noted. The Adjudicative Committee was satisfied that the degree of carelessness sat low-range.  The current Penalty Guide provides a starting point for low-range careless at a 5-day suspension. Mr Doyle is a particularly busy Rider, having had 704 rides over the last 12 months. His record is commendable. A 5 day suspension was adopted as starting point, with a 1 day reduction applied to reflect record ie: 4 day suspension. Imposition of a fine, in lieu of any reduction in suspension, is not considered appropriate. Mr Doyle is to commence a 5 day suspension after racing on 22 November 2025, with same to conclude on 30 November 2025 (imposed 12 November 2025). The suspension now imposed is to follow.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 4 NR days, from the close of racing on 30 November 2025, up to and including 6 December 2025.