Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 1 May 2025 – R1 – Akshay Balloo
ID: RIB54676
Animal Name:
PIRATES 'N' GOLD
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
01/05/2025
Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club
Race Location:
Riccarton Park - 165 Racecourse Road, Christchurch,
Race Number:
R1
Hearing Date:
01/05/2025
Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Class A Rider Akshay Balloo is suspended for 6 days
EVIDENCE:
Following the running of Race 1, Stipendiary Steward Mrs Veronica Fisher presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(i) by Class A Rider Mr Akshay Balloo.
Rule 638(3)(g) provides that, in a Flat Race or Trial, a Rider must not:
- strike a horse with a whip more than 5 times prior to the 100-metre mark (other than in a slapping motion down the shoulder with the whip hand remaining on the reins).
Mr Balloo stated he was conversant with the Rule and confirmed he admitted the breach.
Mrs Fisher identified Mr Balloo (PIRATES’N’GOLD) on the final straight video second from the outside approaching the 300m. Mrs Fisher pointed to Mr Balloo strike his horse twice with his right hand before switching to his left and striking another six times the last strike was 4 strides short of the 100m.
Mr Balloo admitted he got carried away as his horse was responding
DECISION:
The Respondent having admitted the breach, it was deemed to be proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mrs Fisher stated Mr Balloo has 2 previous breaches of the Rule on his record.
16 November 2024 at Riccarton – 9 strikes, suspended for 7 days.
28 December 2024 at Timaru – 8 strikes, suspended for 8 days.
Mrs Fisher said a suspension in line with the Guidelines would be appropriate.
Mr Balloo said he would take his suspension after racing on 3 May, here at Riccarton.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
The Penalty Guidelines provide a 5+ day suspension for a third breach with 3 additional strikes.
Mr Balloo’s previous suspensions on his record appear to be severe, however, a poor record had attributed to this.
Mr Balloo has not infringed this year, and the Adjudicative Committee considers a 6-day suspension to be fair and reasonable in the circumstances of this breach.
CONCLUSION:
Class A Rider Mr Akshay Balloo is suspended from the conclusion of racing on 3 May, up to and including racing on 14 May 2025.
Decision Date: 01/05/2025
Publish Date: 01/05/2025