R Tauranga 1 October 2025 – R3 – Rihaan Goyaram

Background:

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

‘in that he permitted his mount to shift outwards when not sufficiently clear of ‘GRACETHEACE’ which clipped a heel and blundered dislodging it’s rider near the 350 metres’. 

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 sought to defend the charge. This was endorsed by Mr Ralph Manning, who was present at the hearing to assist Mr Goyaram.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards identified the incident and horses involved. Approaching the home turn, the Respondent’s mount was in the trail position behind LA PLANCHA (Mr Darren Danis) with GRACETHEACE (Mr Masa Hashizume) situated behind the Respondent’s mount. Stewards contended that Mr Goyaram urged and allowed his mount to move outward, when not sufficiently clear of GRACETHEACE, who was also looking to improve. This movement caused GRACETHEACE to clip heels and blunder, with Mr Hashizume being dislodged. Stewards noted it was ‘only a slight shift’ but was sufficient to cause the incident. Mr Hashizume was called as witness on behalf of Stewards. He confirmed that he had looked to come off the fence at the 400m mark, had in his view clear running and had alerted Mr  Goyaram. When asked, he commented that there was a length between himself and the Respondent’s mount.

Mr Manning sought confirmation from Mr Hashizume, as to how far he considered Mr Goyaram had shifted, to which he replied, one horse width. Mr Manning contended that the Respondent never angled his mount and that the horse had simply rolled out. His mount had rolled out in response to movement of the leading horse. At no stage was the horse’s head angled out. The actions of the Respondent was no different to that of Mr Hashizume.

Decision:

The charge is found to be proved.

Reasons for Decision:

Upon considering film and submissions, the Adjudicative Committee considered the actions of the Respondent represented a breach of the pertinent Rule. Whilst acknowledging the movement was ‘slight’, it remains the principal reason for the resultant dislodging of Mr Hashizume.  Whether the horse rolled out or was angled out, essentially remains immaterial. It remains incumbent on a Jockey to ensure that he does not permit his mount to shift when insufficiently clear. The Respondent allowed his mount to move out to improve around the front horse when, given the location of surrounding horses, he was not entitled to do so.

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. There were seven previous noted namely:

Waverley      20/10/2024 – 5 day suspension

Wellington    27/10/2024 – 6 day suspension

Te Aroha       8/12/2024 – 7 day suspension

Auckland      12/12/2024 – 6 day suspension

Auckland      5/5/2025 – 4 day suspension

Tauranga      6/7/2025  –  5 day suspension

Egmont        23/8/2025  – 5 day suspension

Stewards confirmed that Mr Goyaram has had approximately 365 raceday rides within this period, adding that a period had been spent on the sideline with injury. Stewards referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current NZTR Penalty Guide, where the starting point for a careless breach resulting in a fall, is a 4 week suspension. Mr Goyaram requested that any penalty imposed by way of suspension, be deferred until after racing at Matamata on 4 October 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

Hercock      8/9/2023     4 week suspension

There remains consistency in penalty noting the Okubo breach, given circumstance, represents the upper limit of penalty to be imposed in this situation. The Respondent’s record is poor, however it is to be acknowledged that two of the noted charges will ‘fall off’ record in late October. On balance, suspension of Licence for 4 weeks, is deemed to be the appropriate penalty. Deferment of suspension was granted.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 4 weeks – being 5 October 2025, through to and including 1 November 2025.