R Tauranga 21 June 2025 – R1 – Gareth Lahoud

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 1, Mr Jones presented an Information charging Apprentice Jockey, Mr G Lahoud, the Rider of FAST IMPACT with careless riding, in breach of Rule 638(1)(d).

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

Mr Lahoud, supported by Mr Harris admitted the charge.

It was alleged that Mr Lahoud, when reaching the 50 metre mark, allowed his mount to move outwards when insufficiently clear of MAGNA KATA (Mr C Dell), causing that horse to be checked.

EVIDENCE:

Trainee Stipendiary Steward Ms Jillings, showed the race films (head, and side on), clearly illustrating that FAST IMPACT was travelling inside of MAGNA KATA and then angled across that horse when only 1 length clear, checking MAGNA KATA.

Mr Lahoud accepted his error in breaching the Careless Riding Rule.

DECISION:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Jones advised that Mr Lahoud had recently returned to riding from injury and had only 35 rides since returning.

Mr Jones submitted that the level of careless riding on this occasion, was seen as low range.

Mr Harris reiterated that Mr Lahoud had only recently returned from a collar bone injury and was inexperienced. He noted that Mr Lahoud had admitted the breach.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee took a starting point of 5 days, which is the starting point in the Penalty Guide of a low end breach for Careless Riding.

A mitigating factor is Mr Lahoud admitting the breach and his recent return to riding, which the Adjudicative Committee took into account by reducing the penalty by 1 day.

The penalty therefore is a 4 day suspension (4 National Riding Days).

Mr Lahoud requested a deferment until after racing on Sunday 22 June, as he had rides on that day. This was approved; therefore, the suspension takes effect after racing on Sunday 22 June 2025 and concludes after racing on Sunday 29 June 2025, inclusive.

CONCLUSION

Mr Lahoud’s Licence to ride is suspended for 4 days. From the conclusion of racing on Sunday 22 June 2025, to the conclusion of racing on Sunday 29 June 2025 (inclusive).