R Taupo 11 October 2023 – R4 – Kozzi Asano

ID: RIB28337

Respondent(s):
Kozzi Asano - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr A Dooley - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Hon J W Gendall KC

Persons Present:
Mr A Dooley, Mr B Jones - Stipendiary Steward, Mr K Asano

Information Number:
A19479

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Careless Riding

Rule(s):
638(1)(d) - Riding/driving infringement

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
SUDBINA

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
11/10/2023

Race Club:
Taupo Racing Club

Race Location:
Taupo Racecourse - 471 Centennial Dr, Taupo, 3378

Race Number:
R4

Hearing Date:
11/10/2023

Hearing Location:
Taupo

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Kozzi Asano is suspended for 4 days

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 4, the “MCLEOD HIABS” 1300, Mr Dooley presented an Information charging Mr Asano with careless riding in breach of Rule 638(1)(d).

The charge alleged that Mr Asano, the Rider of “SUDBINA” allowed his mount to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of “SINHAMAN” (ridden by Mr W Kennedy), which was forced into the line of “COURT OF APPEAL”, which had to be checked near the 900 metre point.

Mr Asano admitted the charge.

Mr Jones demonstrated the event from the race films (head and side on).  Mr Asano’s mount was racing outside and ahead of Mr Kennedy’s mount and drifted slightly off line, but was initially corrected by Mr Asano.  Thereafter it continued to gradually shift inwards for 1 horse width when only 1 length clear of “SINHAMAN”, requiring Mr Kennedy to take hold of his mount, which caused the following horse “COURT OF APPEAL” to be checked.

Mr Asano said that he had first taken corrective action and the later movement was not sudden.  Mr Dooley expressed the opinion that the level of carelessness was in the low range.

Decision:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Dooley said that Mr Asano was a busy Rider having had 677 rides in the past 12 months, with only 3 prior careless riding breaches, the last being 7 months ago on 8 March 2023.

Mr Asano advised he had committed riding engagements over the next 10 days.  Accordingly, a suspension, which is to be imposed, will be deferred for that period.

Reasons for Penalty:

Being a low level breach, a starting point of 5 days suspension is taken and a discount given to reflect the good record of Mr Asano (3 suspensions over a large number of rides – on average 1 in 200 rides), which is fixed at 1 day.

Conclusion:

Accordingly, Mr Asano’s Licence to ride is suspended for 4 National Riding Days, to commence at the end of racing on 21 October 2023 and to finish at the end of racing on 27 October 2023.

Decision Date: 11/10/2023

Publish Date: 13/10/2023