R Tauranga 11 February 2024 – R5 – Triston Moodley

ID: RIB38983

Respondent(s):
Triston Carlisle Moodley - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
Adrian Dooley - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Hon J W Gendall KC (Chair), Ms G Himona

Persons Present:
Mr A Dooley, Mrs L Selvakumaran - Stipendiary Steward, Mr T Moodley, Mr A Tata - assisting Mr Moodley

Information Number:
A19495

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Careless Riding

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
MAGICAL ROAD

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
11/02/2024

Race Club:
Racing Tauranga Inc

Race Location:
Tauranga Racecourse - 1383 Cameron Road, Greerton, Tauranga,

Race Number:
R5

Hearing Date:
11/02/2024

Hearing Location:
Tauranga Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Triston Moodley is suspended for 9 National Riding Days

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 5, the “Laster Electrical Mt Maunganui Maiden”, Mr Dooley presented an Information charging Apprentice Jockey T Moodley with careless riding in breach of Rule 638(1)(d).

It was alleged that Mr Moodley permitted his mount “MAGICAL ROAD” to shift outwards when insufficiently clear of “AFTERMATH”, which was checked, losing ground near the 350 metres mark.

Mr Moodley, assisted by Mr A Tata, Trainer, admitted the charge.

The evidence apparent from the race films, as depicted and interpreted by Mrs L Selvakumaran, was that Mr Moodley’s mount “MAGICAL ROAD” was midfield on the rail upon entering the home straight.  It moved slightly from the rail to be “one off”.  “AFTERMATH” (Mr J Doyle) was improving outside of “MAGICAL ROAD”.  Mr Moodley, when seeking a gap, allowed his mount to shift further outwards when not clear of Mr Doyle’s mount, forcing him to check his horse and lose some ground.

Mr Moodley, and Mr Tata, acknowledged that whilst aiming for a gap, (to which Mr Doyle was also aiming), there was insufficient room for him to do so.  But, as it later eventuated, “AFTERMATH” found racing room later, to finish strongly and win.

Decision:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Dooley submitted that the careless riding was in the “low to mid range” and because of Mr Moodley’s very poor riding record (5 previous careless riding offences since 1 July 2023), a suspension had to be imposed.

Mr Moodley and Mr Tata accepted that contention and made no positive submissions as to the length of any suspension other than to note an earlier suspension was to occur from 18 February 2024 to 2 March 2024.

Reasons for Penalty:

Because this breach occurred when Mr Moodley was facing a suspension of 8 days imposed as recently as on Wednesday 7 February (4 days ago), the Adjudicative Committee regarded that a starting point of 7 days was necessary.  The past record before the 5th offence last week, carried suspensions of 4 days (twice) 6 days, and 7 days over a period of 4 months from July to November 2023.  The total record was very concerning and significantly aggravating.  As a result, an uplift of 2 days was incorporated into the final decision of 9 National Riding Days cumulative upon that imposed on Wednesday 7 February 2024.

Conclusion:

Mr Moodley’s Licence to ride is further suspended for 9 National Riding Days to start at the end of racing on 2 March 2024, and to finish at the end of racing on 16 March 2024.

Decision Date: 11/02/2024

Publish Date: 13/02/2024