Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 12 April 2025 – R8 – Samantha Wynne

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 8, NZB Airfreight Stakes, the Respondent Class A Rider Samantha Wynne admitted a charge of careless riding, which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that as the Rider of KELLANZOR, “she allowed her mount to shift inwards when not fully clear of TEMBO, which was dictated inwards onto LEONA and LILLY, with both these runners being crowded, buffeted and checked shortly after the start”. 

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, 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 Wynne, riding  KELLANZOR, racing wide on the track shortly after the start with TEMBO, ridden by Lee Callaway, LEONA, ridden by Krishna Mudhoo and LILLY, ridden by Yogesh Atchamah, racing in that order, to the inside of KELLANZOR.

The replays showed Ms Wynne shift in when not fully clear of KELLANZOR, who was dictated inwards onto LEONA and LILLY, with both these runners being crowded and having to check.

In response, the Respondent stated that she thought she was clear and that TEMBO was tending to over race, which contributed to the situation.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

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 – 12 May 2024 at Wairio – 4 day suspension – low range.

Mr Davidson said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the mid to low-range and submitted a starting point as per the Penalty Guide of a 6 day starting point. He added that this was a Listed Race, with a stake of $80,000. Mr Davidson stated that Ms Wynne had 264 rides over the previous 12 months.

The Respondent advised of riding engagements through until 16 April 2025 at Ashburton and sought a deferment to any proposed suspension.

In terms of any proposed penalty, the Respondent elected to make no submissions.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined the Respondent’s carelessness to be in the low to mid range and accordingly, adopted a 6-day suspension as the starting point. This conforms with the NZTR Penalty Guide.

The Adjudicative Committee determined that an uplift for the status of the race was not warranted in this case.

The Respondent’s good riding record is treated as a mitigating factor and in combination with her frank admission of the breach, a discount of 1 day was applied.

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

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment until 16 April 2025 is granted and her Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 5 national days, commencing after racing on 16 April 2025 and concluding after racing on 25 April 2025.