R Tauranga 29 May 2026 – R7 – Joe Nishizuka

Background:

Following the running of Race 7, the ‘Tierra Projects Maiden 2100’, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d). Details are as follows:

‘in that he permitted his mount to outwards when insufficiently clear of He’s Divine, which was dictated outwards making contact with Denver, which in turn contacted Mobilized, which was unbalanced near the 200m.

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. Mr Nishizuka was assisted in the hearing by Mr Noel Harris.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards identified the incident and horses involved. On entering the home straight, ERASE was leading the field. HE’S DIVINE was positioned behind this horse. HE’S DIVINE (Ms Erin Leighton) looked to angle out from behind ERASE to improve into a gap. At this moment, ERASE moves out, with HE’S DIVINE checked and Ms Leighton required to check off heels. In turn, this check causes HE’S DIVINE to make contact with DENVER, who in turn contacts and momentarily unbalances MOBILIZED. The Respondent is not the required distance ahead, when allowing his mount to move. When asked for comment, Mr Nishizuka commented that he admitted he should have looked to correct his mount earlier. Mr Harris added that the ride demonstrated a lack of experience. Mr Nishizuka had struck his mount with the left hand and 9 times out of 10, this would have assisted in straightening.  After the race, connections of the 2nd placed horse, HE’S DIVINE, lodged a protest against the 1st placed horse ERASE, alleging interference in the home straight. The protest was upheld.

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. He has had 165 race day rides over the last 12 months, with this being the 4th breach of the Rule. Stewards contended that the offence represented a mid-range breach, with the Adjudicative Committee referred to the current Penalty Guide. Mr Nishizuka asked that any suspension imposed, be deferred until completion of racing on 6 June 2026.

Reasons for Penalty:

The incident is satisfactorily identified through film. The Respondent was not sufficiently clear when moving out, with his action causing a check to HE’S DIVINE who as a result, was forced out, hampering both DENVER and MOBILIZED. On balance, the Adjudicative Committee was satisfied that the degree of carelessness sat mid-range.  The current Penalty Guide provides a starting point for mid-range careless at a 7-day suspension. This was adopted. His record was balanced against his ready admission. On that basis, a 7-day suspension of Licence is deemed an appropriate penalty. Deferment is granted.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 7 NR Days, from the close of racing on 6 June 2026, up to and including 19 June 2026.