R Rotorua 16 November 2025 – R6 – Corentin Berge

Background:

Following the running of Race 6, ‘The Rotorua Club 1950’ an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d). Details are as follows:

‘in that he permitted his mount ‘IN A PICKLE’ to shift outwards when not sufficiently clear of ‘MANDALO’ which clipped a heal and fell dislodging it’s rider near the 400m, also hampering ‘RAMBLIN’ ROSE and ‘THE NEGOTIATOR’. 

Rule 638(1)(d) provides:

A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be 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. Approaching the home turn, IN A PICKLE is positioned 5 back on the fence. The Respondent is seen to look to improve and push to the outside of SONORAN (Ms Samantha Collett). When moving, he is insufficiently clear of MANDALO (Ms Bailey Rogerson), who is seen to clip heels, fall and dislodge the Rider. It remained Steward contention that the Respondent was not entitled to move, as he was not the required distance clear of MANDALO. The turn camera provided the best angle in respect of the incident, providing surety in respect of the location and movement of horses. When questioned, Mr Berge conveyed that his movement was gradual and that he was unaware of the position of the affected horse, with looking to shift. There was no attempt by the Respondent to mitigate culpability, admitting an error in judgement.

Decision:

As the Respondent admitted the breach, it is deemed to be proved.

Submissions as to Penalty:

Stewards outlined the Respondent’s record as it relates to any breach of this Rule within the twelve-month careless riding ‘reference’ period. His record is clear. In extending this, it is to be noted that Mr Berge has only been riding in New Zealand for a short period, having taken 63 rides in that time. Stewards referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current Penalty Guide, where the starting point for a careless riding breach resulting in a fall is a 4-week suspension.  Mr Berge sought deferment of penalty to enable him to honour riding commitments on the 22nd of November 2025.

Reasons for Penalty:

In determining penalty, guidance was taken from recent penalties imposed in relation to like charges ie: careless riding causing a fall. In this respect, the Adjudicative Committee referenced:

Okubo        26/7/2025    5-week suspension

Nishizuka   6/7/2025     4-week suspension

Stott           12/11/2024   3-week suspension

Goyaram     1/10/2025   4-week suspension

There remains consistency in penalty noting the Okubo breach, given circumstance, represents the upper limit of penalty imposed in this situation. On consideration of submissions, the Adjudicative Committee considers a 4-week suspension the appropriate sanction. Deferment of suspension was granted.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 4 weeks, from 23 November 2025 to 20 December 2025 (inclusive).