R Te Aroha 8 December 2024 – R6 – Rihaan Goyaram

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 6, the Respondent Class B Rider R Goyaram admitted a charge of careless riding, which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that as the Rider of CHOOSE ‘EM BIG, he permitted his mount to shift out when not sufficiently clear of SUAVETTA, which was checked passing the 50m mark.

The Respondent acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach.

Mr Goyaram was assisted by Ms Fawcett.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides: A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.

Using the available race films, Stipendiary Steward B Jones demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

Stipendiary Steward B Jones identified that CHOOSE ‘EM BIG had lead into the straight and was under a strong ride by Mr Goyaram. He said that while being ridden forward with the whip, CHOOSE ‘EM BIG shifted outwards, checking SUAVETTA. Mr Jones did say that Mr Goyaram did grab his mount to correct the outward shift, but it was too late.  Mr Jones concluded by saying that SUAVETTA may well have finished in a better placing if it hadn’t been checked and at the time of the interference, CHOOSE ‘EM BIG was only a bare length clear.

Mr Dooley added that the connections of SUAVETTA had viewed the film, but elected not to proceed with a protest and paused the film to show how close SUAVETTA had been to clipping CHOOSE ‘EM BIG’s heels.

In response, Mr Goyaram said he did correct his mount, but it was too late.

Ms Fawcett added that Mr Goyaram needed to improve, when feeling movement of his horses shifting ground. She said he was seeking help from Senior Riders in this regard.

Decision:

As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward A Dooley produced Mr Goyaram’s riding record, which indicated 2 previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule, from 213 rides in the last 12 months.

He said that the Stewards had some concern that Mr Goyaram had also had 5 previous warnings, including a warning the day before at Ellerslie.

Stipendiary Steward A Dooley said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be above mid-range

Mr Goyaram advised of riding engagements through until the 13th of December and sought a deferment to any proposed suspension.  He had nothing further to add.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined Mr Cartwright’s carelessness to be in the mid range and adopted a 7-day (suspension) as the starting point. This conforms with the NZTR Penalty Guide (as of 1 March 2022).

The available films clearly established that the Respondent allowed his mount to shift outward 4-5 horse widths, checking another runner, before straightening his mount. Mr Goyaram had sufficient time to straighten his mount prior to the interference, but did not do so and instead continued to ride his mount forward. The Adjudicative Committee saw this as an aggravating factor.

Having considered all of the submissions, balancing the nature of the breach, the aggravating factor identified, Mr Goyaram’s admission and record, the Adjudicative Committee saw no reason to deviate from the starting point and issued a penalty of 7 days.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted and his Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 7 days, commencing after racing on the 13th of December and concluding after racing on the 22nd of December.