Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 23 October 2021 – R2 – Mr Brett Murray

ID: RIB5337

Respondent(s):
Brett Murray - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr M Davidson - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Dave Anderson

Persons Present:
Mr N McIntyre Chairman of Stewards and Mr B Murray.

Information Number:
A16575

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Careless Riding

Rule(s):
638(1)(d) - Riding/driving infringement - Careless Riding

Plea:
Not Admitted

Animal Name:
BEAU STITCH

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
23/10/2021

Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club

Race Location:
Riccarton Park - 165 Racecourse Road, Christchurch,

Race Number:
R2

Hearing Date:
23/10/2021

Hearing Location:
Riccarton Racecourse, Christchurch.

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Rider Brett Murray is suspended for 5 days.

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 2 an Information was presented by Stipendiary Steward, Mr Mark Davidson alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d) by Jockey, Brett Murray which was denied. The Information alleged, “you permitted your mount to shift inwards when insufficiently clear of  ELIZABETH ROSE near the 1100 metres”.

Mr Davidson showed the available videos and identified Mr Murray riding BEAU STITCH approximately 4 wide approaching the 1000 metres shift inwards and cross to the lead.

Mr Davidson called Jockey, Bridget Grylls as his witness and with the assistance of Mr McIntyre identified Miss Grylls riding ELIZABETH ROSE who was on the rail and close to the lead. He asked Miss Grylls to recall what had happened. She said she had kicked up at the start and pointed to Mr Murray shift across to the rail when only a length clear of her mount and she had to check. She said she had called to Mr Murray but he kept coming down into her running line.

Mr Davidson said the video tells the story, Mr Murray has not been his length and another clear when crossing to the lead.

Mr Murray’s defense of the charge was solely the fact he was always moving forward when crossing horses and in his opinion, Miss Grylls should have read the situation better. He said Miss Grylls should have been hunting up into the gap or not be there at all.

REASON FOR DECISION:

After considering all submissions and viewing the films the Adjudicative Committee found Mr Davidson’s case compelling. Mr Murray has shifted into Miss Gryll’s running line when not sufficiently clear and caused ELIZABETH ROSE to be checked.

The charge was found proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Davidson stated Mr Murray has an excellent record in relation to this Rule. He said the Stewards view this as a low-level breach and as per the guidelines consider a starting point of a 5-day suspension as appropriate.

Mr Murray made no submissions on a penalty but asked for a deferment of the penalty until after racing at Wingatui on the 2nd of November.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

The Committee having considered all evidence considers Mr Murray’s denial of the charge as frivolous. The video replay shows Mr Murray’s shift and resulting check to ELIZABETH ROSE to be a clear breach of the careless riding Rule.

CONCLUSIONS:

Mr Murray’s License to ride is suspended for 5 National Riding Days.

Mr Murray’s request for deferment is granted.

Accordingly, Mr Murray’s license is suspended from the conclusion of racing on 2 November up to and including racing on 9 November 2021.

Decision Date: 23/10/2021

Publish Date: 26/10/2021