R Rotorua 9 May 2026 – R8 – George Rooke

Background:

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

‘in that he permitted his mount ‘KITTY FLASH’ to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of ‘IMPREVU’ ,which clipped a heel and blundered near the 1300 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. KITTY FLASH drew an outside gate. Approximately 100-150 metres after the start, Mr Rooke looked to move inward to position himself closer to the fence. In doing so, he was insufficiently clear of IMPREVU (Tayla Mitchell), who clipped heels and blundered, with Ms Mitchell becoming unbalanced. Mr Rooke provided input. He commented that he was thankful Ms Mitchell was not dislodged. His mount had begun well and he was looking to progress forward and position himself closer to the rail.

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. His record is poor. Noted are the following:

Auckland TR 18/10/2025 – 5 day suspension

Canterbury JC 15/11/2025 – 6 day suspension

Auckland TR 11/12/2025 – 8 day suspension

Wellington RC 14/12/2025 – 5 day suspension

Auckland TR 31/1/2026 – 7 day suspension

Auckland TR 7/3/2026 – 12 day suspension and $10,000 (Group 1)

Stewards contended the carelessness sat mid range, with the Adjudicative Committee referred to the current NZTR Penalty Guide. Mr Rooke asked that any suspension imposed, be deferred until after racing at Ellerslie on 16 May 2026.

Reasons for Penalty:

The incident is satisfactorily identified through film. The Respondent was not sufficiently clear when moving, with his action causing the check to IMPREVU. The movement although slight, caused this horse to clip heels. The Adjudicative Committee was satisfied that the degree of carelessness sat low to mid range.  On this basis, a starting point of a 6 day suspension was adopted. An uplift of 3 days was imposed, to reflect what is a poor record. An additional uplift of 1 day is appropriate, acknowledging the Group 3 status of the race. Conversely, a reduction of 1 day was applied, to reflect ready admission. A 9 day suspension of Licence is considered appropriate. KITTY FLASH did not earn a stake in the race. Deferment was granted.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 9 National Riding Days, from the close of racing on 16 May 2026, up to and including 30 May 2026.