R Tauranga 6 July 2025 – R4 – Joe Nishizuka

Background:

Following the running of Race 4, the ‘Tremains Real Estate Maiden 2100’ an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d). Details are as follows:

‘permitted his mount ‘King Cabal’ to shift outwards when not sufficiently clear of ‘Illberidingshotgun’ which clipped a heel and feel near the 500 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 Grant Shaw, who was present at the hearing to assist Mr Nishizuka.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards identified the incident and horses involved. Nearing the home turn at approx 500 metre mark, KING CABAL is three back on the fence and looking to improve into the race. At this point, I’LBERIDINGSHOTGUN (Mr George Rooke) is three wide under a ride and beginning to struggle to hold its position. The Respondent is seen to roll away from the fence, initially forcing I’LBERIDINGSHOTGUN out. He continues to move, with Mr Rooke forced to take hold. As a result of the movement, I’LBERIDINGSHOTGUN clips heels and falls. Mr Nishizuka conveyed that he agreed with Stewards’ interpretation. He confirmed that Mr Rooke had made him aware of what was unfolding and had ‘screamed’ out. This was confirmed by Mr Rooke, when interviewed. Mr Shaw commented that he agreed that the Respondent was not the required distance and felt that if he had waited momentarily (as I’LBERIDINGSHOTGUN was weakening) the movement could have been completed safely.

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 four noted, namely:

Tauranga    16/11/2024 – 5 day suspension

Whangarei   7/1/2025 – 4 day suspension

Pukekohe    23/2/2025 – 6 day suspension

Tauranga     21/6/2025 – 5 day suspension

He has had 220 race day rides within the period. The Adjudicative Committee was referred to the current NZTR Penalty Guide. The Respondent asked that any suspension imposed, be deferred to enable undertaking of riding commitments at Hawera on 12 July 2025.

Reasons for Penalty:

Available film did, to the satisfaction of the Adjudicative Committee, identify the breach. The Respondent was insufficiently clear when moving. Mr Rooke had made the Respondent fully aware of the situation. The Adjudicative Committee did concur with the comment made by Mr Shaw, that if he had waited momentarily, in all likelihood, the movement could have been completed safely. His haste did reflect inexperience. The NZTR Penalty Guide provides for a starting point of a 4 week suspension, for such breach where a fall results. This was adopted as the starting point. An aggravating factor is his now poor record. Conversely, his status as an Apprentice Jockey is deemed a mitigating influence. After consideration of all submissions, a 4 week suspension of Licence is deemed the appropriate penalty. Deferment is granted.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 4 weeks, commencing 13 July 2025, up to and including 9 August 2025.