Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 29 July 2022 – R7 (Heard at Riccarton on 6 August 2022) – Brett Murray

ID: RIB10304

Respondent(s):
Brett Murray - Jockey

Applicant:
John Oatham, Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Russell McKenzie (Chair) and Stewart Ching

Information Number:
A14170

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Weighing in overweight

Rule(s):
648(5)(a) - Weight Infringement - Weighing-In

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
Raardy Raar

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
29/07/2022

Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club

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

Race Number:
R7

Hearing Date:
06/08/2022

Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park, Christchurch

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey, Brett Murray, fined $200

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 7, Highly Recommended at Berkeley Stud Maiden, an Information was filed alleging that the Respondent Jockey, Brett Murray, having ridden RAARDY RAAR in the race, weighed in at 0.6 kilograms in excess of the weight at which he had weighed out.

The Information was filed with the Adjudicative Committee on the raceday. The hearing of the Information was adjourned and was heard at the meeting of Canterbury JC held at Riccarton Park on 6 August 2022. The Respondent acknowledged that he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach.

Rule 648 provides:

(5) (a) If the Rider of a horse weighs in at a weight of 0.5 kg or more in excess of the weight at which he weighed out that Rider commits a breach of these Rules.

EVIDENCE:

Mr Oatham said that upon weighing in following Race 7, on his mount RAARDY RAAR, the Respondent weighed in 0.6 kilograms in excess of the weight at which he had weighed out. The Respondent has been warned on more than one occasion recently for weighing in in excess of the 0.5 kilogram allowable. Hence, he has been charged on this occasion, Mr Oatham said.

The Respondent had no comment.

DECISION:

The charge was admitted and is therefore deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham said that previous penalties for breaches of the Rule had been in the range of $100-200. He submitted that a fine somewhere in that range was appropriate.

Mr Murray declined the opportunity to make any submission.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

With no guidance available from any Penalty Guidelines, the Adjudicative Committee decided on a fine of $200 based on Mr Oatham’s submission, and previous penalties of which the Adjudicative Committee was aware. The Respondent did not advance any explanation for the breach.

CONCLUSION:

Jockey, Brett Murray, fined $200.

Decision Date: 06/08/2022

Publish Date: 08/08/2022