R Te Aroha 3 June 2024 – R2 – IMPERIAL PARTY

ID: RIB42788

Respondent(s):
Hamish Albert McNeill - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
Mrs L Selvakumaran - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr M Godber (Chair) and Mr G Jones

Persons Present:
Mrs Selvakumaran, Mr McNeill, Mr N Harris (Apprentice Mentor supporting Mr McNeill)

Information Number:
A17877

Decision Type:
Request for Ruling

Rule(s):
647(1) - Weight Infringement - Failure to weigh in

Request for Ruling:
Disqualification of IMPERIAL PARTY as Jockey failed to weigh in

Animal Name:
IMPERIAL PARTY

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
03/06/2024

Race Club:
Racing Te Aroha

Race Location:
Te Aroha Racecourse - Stanley Road South, Te Aroha,

Race Number:
R2

Hearing Date:
03/06/2024

Hearing Location:
Te Aroha

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: IMPERIAL PARTY is disqualified and Apprentice Jockey Hamish McNeill's losing riding fee be forfeited

Evidence:
Following the running of Race 2, a Request for a Ruling was filed pursuant to Rule 647(1). The Applicant, Stipendiary Steward Mrs L Selvakumaran, alleged that the Rider of the 7th placed IMPERIAL PARTY, Mr H McNeill, failed to weigh in following the race.

Rule 647(1) provides that:

All Riders in a Race shall weigh-in, unless excused from doing so by a Stipendiary Steward. A horse whose Rider does not weigh in shall, in addition to any other penalty which may be imposed, be disqualified from the Race, unless the Stipendiary Stewards are satisfied that the:

(a) Rider’s failure to weigh-in, in accordance with this Rule, was justified by extraordinary circumstances, including if the Stipendiary Stewards are satisfied that, on account of accident or sudden illness, it is impracticable for him to weigh in; and

(b) Rider weighed out correctly with, and carried, his proper weight.

Submissions for Decision:

Stipendiary Steward Mrs L Selvakumaran advised the Adjudicative Committee that after running 7th, 42 lengths behind the winner, Mr McNeill, Rider of IMPERIAL PARTY, failed to weigh in. The Stewards sought the disqualification of IMPERIAL PARTY from 7th placing and Mr McNeill’s losing riding fee to be forfeit.

In explanation, Mr McNeill stated that after dismounting, he was talking to the Trainer and once the discussion had concluded, he simply forgot to weigh in.

Reasons for Decision:

After considering the submissions, the Adjudicative Committee was satisfied with the explanations. The Rule allows for no discretion and disqualification of the horse is mandatory.

Decision:

Pursuant to Rule 647(1), the Adjudicative Committee determined that IMPERIAL PARTY be disqualified from the race and Mr McNeill’s losing riding fee be forfeited.

Decision Date: 03/06/2024

Publish Date: 04/06/2024