R Tauranga 4 October 2023 – R8 – Michael McNab

ID: RIB28092

Respondent(s):
Michael McNab - 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 M McNab

Information Number:
A19477

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Careless Riding

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
TOSSUFORIT

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
04/10/2023

Race Club:
Racing Tauranga Inc

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

Race Number:
R8

Hearing Date:
04/10/2023

Hearing Location:
Tauranga

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Michael McNab is suspended for 6 National Riding Days

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 8, the “CHEERS TAVERN 1200”, Mr Dooley presented an Information charging Mr McNab with careless riding in breach of Rule 638(1)(d) in that he allowed his mount “TOSSUFORIT” to shift outwards approaching the 100 metres mark when not sufficiently clear of ‘GRANDE GALLO” (Mr K Asano) so as to require that horse to be checked.

Mr McNab admitted the breach.

Mr Stewart referred to the incident on the race films which illustrated “TOSSUFORIT”, when forging to the front, shifting out onto “GRANDE GALLO” when insufficiently clear, forcing that horse to be severely checked by Rider Mr Asano.  “TOSSUFORIT” finished first (a margin of a neck, and 2½ lengths) with “GRANDE GALO” finishing third. No protest was lodged, no doubt given the wide margins between first and third.

Decision:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Dooley assessed the degree of carelessness as in the low/mid range.  He said in the past 12 months, Mr McNab has had 864 rides, with 5 prior suspensions for careless riding.

Mr McNab accepted that he struck his mount “one too many times” so for it to shift out abruptly, but although he took corrective action, it was “one stride too late”.  He has riding engagements over the next 10 days.

Reasons for Penalty:

From a starting point of 7 days suspension, the Adjudicative Committee allows a discount of 1 day given his record.  For over 850 rides, 5 suspensions can equate to 1:170 so in the Adjudicative Committee’s view, is a mitigating factor.

Conclusion:

Accordingly, Mr McNab’s Licence to ride is suspended for 6 National Riding Days, to commence at the conclusion of racing on 14 October 2023 and to end at the conclusion of racing on 22 October 2023.

Decision Date: 04/10/2023

Publish Date: 06/10/2023