Rangitikei RC 20 November 2021 – R1 – Maria Sanson

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Following the running of Race 1, the Respondent, Ms M Sanson admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 838(1)(d). The Information alleged that M Sanson (MATINEE) allowed her mount to shift inwards near the 1000 metres when not sufficiently clear of OVERAGAIN (D Turner) which was checked. The Respondent acknowledged she understood the Rule and confirmed her admission of the breach. Ms Clapperton, Central Districts Rider Mentor was present to assist.

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

EVIDENCE:

Using the available race films Stipendiary Steward Mr Goodwin demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned. He began by pointing out that the horse affected (Mr Turner’s mount) was over-racing at the time and proving a handful for the Rider. In the run along the back straight all horses were racing free of interference. Mr Turner was on the fence and could see that Ms Sanson was coming across when not clear. He called out to her but the incident happened quickly and Ms Sanson was unable to relieve the pressure because Mr Mudhoo had followed her across which he was allowed to do. Mr Turner was forced to check off heels and Ms Sanson ended up in his spot on the rail with Mr Mudhoo one-off.

In response Ms Sanson stated that as she came across she heard Mr Turner yell out to her and she tried to straighten but was unable to do so due to Mr Mudhoo following her across and leaving no room. Ms Clapperton  said the check to Mr Turner looked worse than it was due to the behaviour of his horse.

REASON FOR DECISION:

As Ms Sanson admitted the breach the Adjudicative Committee found the breach proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Goodwin produced the Respondent’s riding record which indicated no previous breaches of any kind. Ms Sanson has had 116 rides in total with 34 this racing season. He said the Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low range.

Ms Sanson said she was apprenticed to Ms Danica Guy and had advised her of today’s careless riding charge. Her only upcoming riding commitments were at Tauranga on Wednesday November 24th.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

After considering all submissions the Adjudicator determined Ms Sanson’s carelessness to be low range. She came across gradually and the films showed her looking to her inside to ensure she was free to do so safely. Mr Turner was having trouble setting his mount, and in anticipation of Ms Sanson coming across he started to restrain it which caused it to over race further. A 5 -day starting point was adopted with a 1 day reduction for Ms Sanson’s excellent record and admission of the breach.

CONCLUSIONS:

Ms Sanson’s license to ride in races is suspended for a period of 4 days commencing after racing on Wednesday November 24th and concluding after racing on Sunday November 28th.