Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 18 January 2024 – R6 – Leah Hemi

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 6, Joyce Allies Waddell Maiden, Class A Jockey, Leah Hemi, admitted a breach of Rule 638(1)(d) in that, as the Rider of CHAPINTEEL in the race, she rode carelessly when she allowed her mount to shift in when not clear of WOTACHATTABOX (Brandon May), which had to be firmly restrained passing the 1100 metres.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides:

A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.

EVIDENCE:

Stipendiary Steward, Veronica Algar, had Chief Stipendiary Steward, John Oatham, show the incident on available video replays. He pointed out CHAPINTEEL, ridden by the Respondent, racing in 3rf position on the outside, as the field neared the turn out of the back straight. WOTACHATTABOX, ridden by Brandon May, was following it. The Respondent then crossed into Mr May’s line, when only just her own length clear, forcing Mr May to take a hold. The Respondent shifted out briefly to relieve the pressure and then shifted back in when not fully clear, perhaps 1¼ lengths, and steadying at the same time, placing Mr May in difficulty on her heels for several strides.

The Respondent said that Mr May’s mount had been racing ungenerously. She initially relieved the pressure and, when she looked back, she thought that she was clear but the runner in front of her began to steady which, she submitted, had contributed.

DECISION:

The charge having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Ms Algar told the hearing that the Respondent has a clear record under the Careless Riding Rule. She has had 193 rides in the last 12 months period, but had had some time away from race riding. Stewards assessed the breach as being low-level, for which the Penalty Guide provides a starting point of a 5-days suspension. The Respondent’s good record should be taken into account, Ms Algar said.

After reviewing upcoming meetings, the Respondent elected to seek a deferment until after 27 January next.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee assessed the level of carelessness as being in the low-range, as submitted by Ms Algar. The RIB Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide (February 2023) provides for a starting point for penalty for such a breach of a 5-days suspension.

The Adjudicative Committee does not regard the fact that the Respondent went on to win the race as an aggravating factor, having regard to where the interference took place and, also, the winning margin of 3 lengths. Mitigating factors to be considered are the Respondent’s excellent record and her admission of the breach.

A discount from that starting point of 5 days is appropriate for those mitigating factors, and the Adjudicative Committee sets that discount at 1 day.

CONCLUSION:

The Respondent’s application for a deferment is granted. She is suspended from riding in races under her Class A Jockey’s Licence from after the close of racing on 27 January 2024, up to and including 7 February 2024 – 4 national riding days.