Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 10 August 2022 – R1 – Megan Taylor

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 1, the Respondent Class B Rider, Ms Megan Taylor, admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that as the Rider of PEUT RESPIRER , allowed her mount to shift inwards dictating HIDALGO onto DICELAND which was crowded and steadied near the 1200 metres, then continuing to shift inwards with HIDALGO being crowded and steadied near the 1100 metres.  

The Respondent acknowledged she understood the Rule and confirmed  her 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 Mr Mark Davidson, with the assistance of Stipendiary Steward, Ms Veronica Algar, demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

Mr Davidson said that approaching the 1200 metre mark the Respondent has shifted ground inwards when not clear of HIDALGO, dictating this horse in onto DICELAND which was crowded and had to be steadied. Mr Davidson added that Miss Taylor continued to shift in and near the 1100m HIDALGO was crowded again and had to be steadied.

In response, the Respondent, with the assistance of Mr Walsh stated that the offence was clear on the films.

Decision:

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

Submission for Penalty:

Mr Davidson produced the Respondent’s riding record which indicated 2 previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely 2 October 2021- Riccarton – 6 days and Waimate at Timaru 12 June 2022 – 5 days for a low level breach.

Mr Davidson said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low range.

Ms Taylor advised of riding engagements through until 19 August at Oamaru and sought a deferment to any proposed suspension.

In terms of any proposed penalty Ms Taylor made no submissions apart from a request for deferment.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions the Adjudicative Committee determined the Respondent’s carelessness to be in the low to mid range and adopted a 6-day (suspension) as the starting point.

The available films clearly established that the Respondent shifted ground inwards when not clear of inside runners over a period of  time resulting in affecting 2 runners between the 1200 metres and 1100 metres.

The Respondent’s riding record is treated as an neutral factor and a 1-day reduction was applied to the 6-day starting point for her admission of the breach.

After consideration of the above factors a 5-day suspension was imposed.

Conclusion – Penalty:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is  granted and her Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 5 days commencing after racing on 19 August 2022 and concluding after racing on 28 August 2022.