Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 22 April 2023 – R8 – Lee Callaway

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 8, “The NZ Bloodstock Warstep Stakes”, Mr Oatham presented an Information charging Mr Callaway with careless riding in breach of Rule 638(1)(d).

Mr Callaway admitted the breach.

The race films illustrated, and Mr Oatham submitted, that when approaching the 600 metres point, Mr Callaway allowed his mount ‘MISS LAYLA” to shift inwards off its line, so as to contact the horse “GENERATION JOY”.  As a result that horse became awkwardly situated and placed on the heels of another runner.  Mr Callaway said that he had been “holding Rider Muniandy” (on GENERATION JOY), after being pushed out, and then made an error of judgment in shifting inwards again.

Decision:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Oatham advised that Mr Callaway had had 2 previous careless riding breaches (in August 2022, and January 2023).  He was a busy Rider in the South Island with 326 rides this season.

The level of carelessness was said to be in the low/mid range but was in a Black Type Listed Race.

Mr Callaway said he had committed rides at Timaru on 27 April 2023.

Reasons for Penalty:

From a starting point of 6 days suspension, the Adjudicative Committee affords a realistic discount for the fact that the events that occurred at the 600 metre mark were contributed to by the actions of other Rider(s) and, as Mr Oatham said “2 wrongs do not make a right”; there were factual mitigating matters attached to Mr Callaway’s error.  The discount is one third.

Conclusion:

Accordingly, Mr Callaway’s Licence to ride is suspended for 4 days from the conclusion of racing at Timaru on 27 April 2023 until the end of racing on 3 May 2023 (effectively 1 South Island day).