Riccarton Park – Banks Peninsula RC 11 February 2023 – R5 – Jeetesh Mudhoo

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 5, the Respondent Class B Rider, Jeetesh Mudhoo, admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that as the Rider of MOKOPEKA he allowed his mount to shift in when not clear of ZARAVELA and TAIMATE ROSE who were crowded and checked near the 250m.  

The Respondent acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach. Apprentice Mentor David Walsh was present to assist.

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, Stipendiary Steward, Mr Davidson, demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

Stipendiary Steward, Mr Davidson, said that approaching the 250 metre mark, the Respondent has shifted ground inwards when not sufficiently clear, crowding and checking both ZARAVELA and TAIMATE ROSE. Mr Davidson submitted that Mr Mudhoo has shifted in approximately 1.5 horse widths.

The Respondent elected to make no submissions in regard to the incident.

Decision:

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

Submission for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward, Mr Davidson, produced the Respondent, Mr Mudhoo’s riding record which indicated no previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months.

The Respondent Mr Mudhoo, has had 254 lifetime mounts, resulting in 11 winners to date.

Stipendiary Steward Mr Davidson, said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the mid to low-range.

The Respondent did not seek a deferment to any proposed suspension.

In terms of any proposed penalty, the Respondent Mr Mudhoo, made no submissions in regard to penalty apart from requesting the suspension starts as soon as possible.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined the Respondent Mr Mudhoo’s carelessness to be in the mid range and adopted a 7-day (suspension) as the starting point. This conforms with the NZTR Penalty Guide (as of 10 February 2023).

The Respondent’s riding record is treated as a mitigating factor and a 1-day reduction was applied to the 7-day starting point for his ready admission of the breach and record.

After consideration of the above factors, a 6-day suspension was imposed.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s  licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 6 days commencing after racing today,11 February 2023 and concluding after racing on 23 February 2023.