Racing Tauranga – 2 January 2026 – R9- M Hashizume

Evidence

Following the running of Race 9, the Respondent, Class A Rider Masa Hashizume, admitted a charge of careless riding filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d). The information alleged that, as the rider of AKSIL, he permitted his mount to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of MIDORI BURLY (ridden by Tayla Mitchell), which was checked losing ground near the 200 metres.

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

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

Using the available race films, Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr J. Oatham demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and riders concerned.

Mr Oatham said that approaching the 200-metre mark, the Respondent’s mount appeared to be laying in. The Respondent pulled the rein out a couple of times. He then used the whip, which caused the horse to shift in. As soon as the Respondent’s mount shifted into the line of MIDORI BURLY, he took corrective action, but in the Stewards’ view this was too late.

At the time of the shift, the Respondent’s mount was barely a length clear. There was slight contact, with MIDORI BURLY touching the heels of AKSIL, and Ms Mitchell having to stand up and take quick action.

Stewards submitted that there was slight movement by the horse to the inside of MIDORI BURLY, but in their view this did not contribute to the incident.

In response, the Respondent stated he admitted he moved half a horse width. He said the horse to the inside of MIDORI BURLY moved three or four horse widths – more than he moved, and was the primary cause of the incident.

Decision

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

Submission for Penalty

Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr A. Dooley produced the Respondent Mr Hashizume’s riding record, which indicated a good record. He has had 419 rides in the last 12 months with one previous breach under the Careless Riding Rule within the reset period, on 6 December 2025 which incurred a 5‑day suspension.

Mr Dooley said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low–mid range.

The Respondent sought a deferment until after racing on 3 January 2026.

Reasons for Penalty

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined the Respondent’s carelessness to be in the low–mid range and adopted a 6‑day suspension as the starting point. This conforms with the NZTR Penalty Guide.

The Respondent’s riding record is treated as a mitigating factor, as was his admission of the breach, and a 1‑day reduction was applied to the 6‑day starting point.

After consideration of the above factors, a 5‑day suspension was imposed.

Conclusion – Penalty

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted, and his licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 5 days commencing after racing on 3 January 2026 and concluding after racing on 9 January 2026.