Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 19 February 2025 – R2 – Krishna Mudhoo

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 2, Book A Suite for Autumn Racing Maiden, Class A Jockey, Krishna Mudhoo, admitted a breach of Rule 638(1)(d) in that, as the Rider of LIVING IN HOPE in the race, he rode carelessly in permitting his mount to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear, forcing FLAT STANLEY (Joe Doyle) inwards, crowding IFYOUSTARTMEUP (Kate Hercock), which was checked near the 1100 metres.

Rule 638 provides as follows:

(1)    A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be:

        (d)   careless.

EVIDENCE:

Stipendiary Steward, Veronica Algar, had Chief Stipendiary Steward, John Oatham, show the incident on the available video replays. Mr Oatham pointed out LIVING IN HOPE, ridden by Mr Mudhoo, racing 3-wide and behind midfield outside of FLAT STANLEY and IFYOUSTARTMEUP on the rails. He then showed Mr Mudhoo, taking a hold of his mount and improving his runner to the inside of THE BETTER ONE (Lee Callaway) and, in doing so, he crowded Mr Doyle, forcing him onto Ms Hercock, who was checked.

Mr Oatham suggested that Mr Mudhoo was not aware that Mr Doyle had another runner on his inside. He added that Mr Mudhoo had relieved the pressure when he received a call. He had made an error of judgement in allowing his runner to improve to the inside of Mr Callaway’s runner’s heels, he said.

Mr Mudhoo said that it was a misjudgment on his part. He did relieve the pressure on Mr Doyle, he said.

DECISION:

The breach having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Ms Algar said that Mr Mudhoo has one previous breach of the Careless Riding Rule on his record – at Oamaru on 21 July 2024, suspended 4 days for low-level breach.

The Respondent has had 227 rides in the past 12 months. Stewards assessed the breach as low-range, Ms Algar said.

Mr Mudhoo requested that any term of suspension be deferred until after the meeting of Otago RC on 1 March 2025.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The breach is assessed by the Adjudicative Committee as being in the low range and, in this respect, the Adjudicative Committee agrees with the submission of Ms Algar.

The Respondent’s riding record may be regarded as very good. He has a single breach in the past 12 months period. In that period, the Respondent has had 227 rides. The RIB Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide (February 2025) suggests a starting point for a medium range breach of a 5-days suspension. Mr Mudhoo is entitled to a discount from the Penalty Guide starting point for his race riding record and his admission of the breach, and this is fixed at 1 day.

CONCLUSION:

His application for a deferment of suspension is granted. Class A Jockey, Krishna Mudhoo’s Licence to ride in races is suspended from 2 March 2025 to 7 March 2024 both dates inclusive – 4 national riding days.