Reefton Jockey Club-7 January 2026-Race 7-Leah Hemi

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 7, the Respondent Class A Rider Leah Hemi admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that as the Rider of TO CATCH A THIEF “she allowed her mount to shift inwards when not fully clear of DIMAGGIO which was crowded and checked near the 50 metres”. 

The Respondent acknowledged she understood the Rule and confirmed her admission of the breach.

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 Senior Stipendiary Steward Mark Davidson, with the assistance of Stipendiary Steward, Veronica Fisher demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned. Mrs Fisher pointed out Ms Hemi, riding TO CATCH A THIEF racing widest on the track with DIMAGGIO, ridden by Amber Riddell racing to the inside of Ms Hemi, approaching the 50 metres. The replays showed Ms Hemi, when riding her mount out and using the whip, shift in when not sufficiently clear of Miss Riddell and as a result, Miss Riddell was crowded and had to check.

In response, the Respondent, Ms Hemi, stated that her mount was responding well to the whip and making good ground over the concluding stages. She thought she was clear of Miss Riddell but conceded was not and should have reacted sooner to straighten her mount.

Decision:

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

Submission for Penalty:

Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr Davidson produced the Respondent’s riding record which indicated 1 previous breach under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely – 19 December 2025-Otaki-4 day suspension-low range. He added that Ms Hemi was a busy rider and had ridden on 600 occasions over the prior 12 months. Mr Davidson submitted that Ms Hemi’s record could be considered as good, considering the number of rides and only 1 breach over that period.

Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr Davidson said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low-range and submitted a starting point as per the Penalty Guide of a 5 day starting point.

Ms Hemi elected to make no submissions in regard to penalty apart from requesting a deferment until after 17 January 2026 at Trentham.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions the Adjudicative Committee determined the Respondent’s to be in the low range and accordingly adopted a 5-day suspension as the starting point. This conforms with the NZTR Penalty Guide.

The Respondent’s riding record showing 1 breach over the prior 12 months, with the number of rides in this period being 600, is treated as a neutral factor.

There were no aggravating factors to consider therefore no uplift warranted.

In mitigation Ms Hemi’s frank admission of the breach warrants a discount which we set at 1 day.

After consideration of the above factors a 4-day suspension is imposed.

Conclusion – Penalty:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted with her licence to ride in races suspended for a period of 4 national days commencing after racing on 17 January 2026 and concluding after racing on 22 January 2026.