Riccarton Park – Amberley 22 June 2024 – R2 – Brandon May

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 2, Cup Week Hospitality on Sale June 26 Rating 65, Class A Jockey, Brandon May, admitted a breach of Rule 638(1)(d) in that, as the Rider of RADIANT ROSIE in the race, he rode carelessly in permitting his mount to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of LIPA MALA (Yogesh Atchamah) passing the 800 metres.

Rule 638 provides as follows:

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

        (d)   careless.

EVIDENCE:

Stipendiary Steward, Mark Davidson, had Chief Stipendiary Steward, John Oatham, show video replays to demonstrate the incident after approximately 200 metres of the 1000 metres race. He pointed out RADIANT ROSIE, ridden by the Respondent, drawn barrier 10 in the 11-horse field and LIPA MALA, ridden by Yogesh Atchamah, drawn inside in barrier 10.

The Respondent shifted across the field and continued to shift in, placing pressure on Mr Atchamah and dictating him inwards. This pressure continued for quite some distance and was not relieved by the Respondent, Mr Oatham said. Mr Atchamah had to ease back and give up his spot. The Respondent would have been no more than ¾ length or a bare length clear. The interference was relatively minor, Mr Oatham said.

The Respondent said that, as he jumped, he saw there was room to his inside and he assumed that Mr Atchamah would attempt to get some cover and did not expect him to hold his position. He thought Mr Atchamah would be happy to get cover in behind him but he had misjudged it.

DECISION:

The breach having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Davidson said that the Respondent has four previous breaches of the Careless Riding Rule on his record. These are on:

28 July 2023 at Riccarton – suspended for 4 days (low-range breach);

30 September 2023 at Riccarton – suspended for 6 days (low-mid range);

20 December 2023 at Ashburton – suspended 6 days (low-mid, poor record);

2 March 2024 2023 at Wingatui – suspended for 6 days (low-mid range, Listed Race).

The Respondent has had 300 rides in the last 12 months. The breach is definitely at the low end, Mr Davidson said. Mr Atchamah has been dictated in, has had to take a hold and has lost his spot as a result. The Respondent’s record is only fair but he has admitted the breach, Mr Davidson said.

The Respondent said that he would like a deferment of suspension until after the meeting at Wingatui on 30 June 2024.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The breach is assessed by the Adjudicative Committee as being in the low range. The RIB Thoroughbred Penalty Guide (February 2023) suggests a starting point for penalty for such a breach of 5 national riding days.

The Respondent’s riding record of four previous breaches is regarded as an aggravating factor, for which the Adjudicative Committee applies a 1-day uplift to the Penalty Guide starting point of a 5-days suspension. He is entitled to a discount from the uplifted starting point for his admission of the breach and this is fixed at 1 day.

CONCLUSION:

Class A Jockey, Brandon May’s Licence to ride in races is suspended from after the close of racing on 30 June 2024, up to and including 7 July 2024 – 5 national riding days.