R Rotorua 3 March 2022 – R2 – Sam Spratt

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 2, the MacMillan Accountants 2YO, Mr Jones presented an Information alleging that Ms Spratt, the Rider of ‘RELIABLY INFORMED” committed a breach of Rule 638(1)(d) by careless riding at about the 1000 metres point in the race.

The careless riding breach was illustrated by Mrs Selvakumaran’s demonstration of the race films over the first 100 metres.  Ms Spratt’s mount “RELIABLY INFORMED” had started from the outside gate.  She allowed her mount to shift in near the 1000 metres mark so as to dictate to the lines of four horses on her inside.  First, she moved onto “ARROWETTE” ridden by Mr L Innes, and “MINI MOET” ridden by Mr K Asano.  As a result of this crowding Mr Kamaruddin, riding “ROYALZ” was required to check his mount and because of the pressure from the outside “WATER ECLIPSE”, which was against the rail had to be checked by Ms B Grylls.

DECISION:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

The careless riding was at the mid range level.

Mr Jones advised that Ms Spratt had, in the past 12months, one previous breach of Rule 638(1)(d), which was on 25 September 2021 for which she was suspended for 5 days.

Ms Spratt accepted that a suspension was required, especially given the recent (from 1 March 2022) Penalty Guide.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

Ms Spratt has riding engagements at Auckland RC on 13 March 2022 so is entitled to a deferment of the commencement of the suspension for up to 10 days.  From a starting point guide of 5 National Riding Days suspension, the Adjudicative Committee regards the previous breach six months ago, and requires that an additional 1 day is required.

CONCLUSION:

Accordingly, Ms Spratt’s licence is suspended for 6 National Riding Days, to commence after the conclusion of racing on 10 March 2022 and to end after the conclusion of racing on 19 March 2022.