R Tauranga 4 October 2023 – R6 – Sam Weatherley

ID: RIB28122

Respondent(s):
Sam Weatherley - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr A Dooley - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Hon J W Gendall KC (Chair) and Mr M Godber

Persons Present:
Mr A Dooley, Mr G Stewart - Stipendiary Steward, Mr S Weatherley

Information Number:
A19476

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Careless Riding

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
SHE TURNS HEADS

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
04/10/2023

Race Club:
Racing Tauranga Inc

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

Race Number:
R6

Hearing Date:
04/10/2023

Hearing Location:
Tauranga

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Sam Weatherley is suspended for 5 days

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 6, Mr Dooley presented an Information charging Class A Rider Mr S Weatherley with careless riding in breach of Rule 638(1)(d), in that he permitted his mount “SHE TURNS HEADS”  to shift outwards near the 50 metres mark when insufficiently clear of ‘SMASHING SISTER” (Mr V Colgan), which had to be checked.

Mr Weatherley admitted the charge.

Mr Stewart demonstrated from the race films, that Mr Weatherley when mounting a run inside the final 100 metres, was riding vigorously and ‘SHE TURNS HEADS” turned her head and drifted outside into the line of “SMASHING SISTER”, when not the required distance ahead.  Mr Weatherley attempted to correct this movement and shifted his whip from his left to his right hand, stopped riding, and endeavoured to straighten his mount.  These actions were not sufficient to avoid Mr Colgan having to check his mount.  “SHE TURNS HEADS” finished 2nd and ‘SMASHING SISTER” was unplaced.

Decision:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Dooley was of the opinion that the level of carelessness was low/medium.  Mr Weatherley, a Senior Rider, has had 351 rides in the last 12 months, with 3 previous careless riding breaches.

Mr Weatherley submitted that he tried to correct the horse’s movement, but the horse’s shift got worse.  He has committed engagements for the next 10 days.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Adjudicative Committee takes a starting point of 6 National Riding Days suspension and affords Mr Weatherley a discount of 1 day to reflect his record (effectively 1 breach every 117 rides).

Conclusion:

Accordingly, Mr Weatherley’s Licence to ride is suspended for 5 days to commence at the conclusion of racing on 14 October 2023, and to end at the conclusion of racing on 21 October 2023.

Decision Date: 04/10/2023

Publish Date: 06/10/2023