Rangitikei RC – 14 September 2025 – Race 1 – Amber Riddell

Background:

Following the running of Race 1, the NZ Bloodstock 1400, Ms Jillings presented an Information charging Ms A Riddell the rider of ‘My Girl Alice’ with careless riding in breach of Rule 638(1)(d).

Rule 638(1)(d) provides:

(1) A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be:

(d) careless.

It was alleged that ‘Ms Riddell directed her mount inwards when not clear of ‘Adorable Me’ ridden by Ms M Hudson which was checked near the 800 metres mark.’

The Respondent, Ms Riddell admitted the breach of the Rule.

Evidence:

Ms Selvakumaran illustrated from the race films the incident, which depicted ‘My Girl Alice’ racing 3 wide approaching the 800 metres mark being directed inwards by Ms Riddell seeking to slot in behind the 2 leading horses. The pace then eased so the gap no longer was available to Ms Riddell’s mount but the inward movement continued, causing ‘ADORABLE ME’ to be checked by Ms Hudson to avoid the heels of ‘MY GIRL ALICE.’

The degree of carelessness was low end.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Ms Riddell has had 503 rides over the past 12 months with no previous careless riding breaches. She is a promising apprentice, as Ms Clapperton submitted. The admitted breach occurred largely as a result of inexperience.

From the recommended starting point of a 5 day suspension, Ms Riddell is entitled to a discount of 20% because of her excellent record.

Conclusion:

Her licence to ride is suspended for 4 National Riding days to commence at the conclusion of racing on 20 September 2025 and to end at the conclusion of 27 September 2025.