R Tauranga 6 July 2025 – R1 – Rihaan Goyaram

Background:

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

‘rode carelessly on his mount ‘Horrie’ near the 250 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 admitted the breach. This was endorsed by Mr Manning, who was present at the hearing to assist Mr Goyaram

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards identified the incident. Turning into the home straight, HORRIE was leading the field only slightly away from the fence. The horse was racing greenly, hanging and with it’s head turned in. At that point, there is significant pressure on the right rein, the horse has it’s head essentially facing the rail and is seen to baulk, as the Respondent lifts the whip in his left hand. In response to the actions of the horse, the Respondent then looks to straighten. Stewards contended that by the Respondent taking his hand off the left rein to strike, this contributed to the incident. When asked, Mr Goyaram commented that he hadn’t actually hit the horse. Connections had asked that he ‘take a sit’, but given the horse wouldn’t settle, he let it go to the front. Mr Manning commented that Mr Goyaram has only been riding for 12 months and that he is very inexperienced in a riding a horse of this type. He added that the horse had not actually hit the rail, but that its back legs had slipped.

Decision:

As the Respondent admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

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 five 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

Stewards confirmed that Mr Goyaram has had 381 raceday rides within this period, noting that four months were spent on the sideline with injury. Stewards contended carelessness was low range and referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current NZTR Penalty Guide. Mr Goyaram requested that any penalty imposed by way of suspension, be deferred until after racing at Hawera on 12 July 2025.

Reasons for Penalty:

Available film and associated submissions did, to the satisfaction of the Adjudicative Committee, illustrate a low range careless ride. It is readily accepted that the horse was a particularly difficult ride. Nonetheless, the Adjudicative Committee concluded that the Respondent’s actions contributed to and not assisted, in negating the horse’s actions. By concluding same, the ride is deemed to be careless.

After due consideration, the Adjudicative Committee determined the breach to sit at low range. Referenced to the current NZTR Penalty Guide, a 5 day suspension was set as the starting point, with an uplift of 1 day imposed to reflect a somewhat poor record. Conversely, 1 day was deducted to reflect admission, along with Jockey status/relative inexperience. On balance, a 5 day suspension was deemed the appropriate penalty. Deferment of suspension was granted.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 5 National Riding days, from the close of racing on 12 July 2025, up to and including 23 July 2025.  The Woodville-Pahiatua RC Meeting on 13 July 2025, was not considered in determining penalty, as it remains a meeting open to Amateur and Jumps Riders.