Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 3 August 2024 – R9 – Brandon May
ID: RIB44853
Animal Name:
GREEN LUCK
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
03/08/2024
Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club
Race Location:
Riccarton Park - 165 Racecourse Road, Christchurch,
Race Number:
R9
Hearing Date:
03/08/2024
Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Brandon May is suspended for 9 Days
Evidence:
Following the running of Race 9, the Respondent Class A Rider Brandon May admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d). The Information alleged that as the Rider of GREEN LUCK “he allowed his mount to shift in when not clear of BRADMAN which was checked passing the 1400 metres”.
The Respondent acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach.
Rule 638(1)(d) provides: A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.
Using the available race films Chief Stipendiary Steward John Oatham, with the assistance of Stipendiary Steward, Mark Davidson, demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned. Mr Davidson pointed out Mr May, riding GREEN LUCK racing wide on the track and looking to cross to find a position near the lead when approaching the 1400m with BRADMAN, ridden by Craig Grylls, racing 2 wide on the inside of Mr May. The replays showed Mr May looking to shift in in front of BRADMAN and eventually when doing so, was not clear of Mr Grylls, who had to take evasive action and check. Mr Davidson pointed out that Mr May was only a bare length ahead of BRADMAN, when shifting into that horse’s rightful running.
In response, the Respondent stated that he thought he was clear of Mr Grylls. He added that BRADMAN was tending to over race, which did not help the situation. He said the replays were conclusive that he was not clear.
Decision:
As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.
Submissions for Penalty:
Mr Oatham produced the Respondent Mr May’s riding record, which indicated 4 previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely;
30 September 2023 – Riccarton – 6 day suspension
20 December 2023 – Ashburton – 6 day suspension
2 March 2024 – Wingatui – 6 day suspension
22 June 2024 – Riccarton – 5 day suspension
Mr Oatham said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the below mid range and submitted a starting point as per the Penalty Guide of a 5 to 6 day starting point. Aggravating factors, he said, was Mr May’s record and the status of the race being a Group 3 event. He added that Mr May had 283 rides over the previous 12 months.
The Respondent advised of riding engagements through until 7 August 2024 at Riccarton and sought a deferment to any proposed suspension.
In terms of any proposed penalty, the Respondent elected to make no submissions.
Reasons for Penalty:
After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined the Respondent Mr May’s carelessness to be in the below mid range and accordingly, adopted a 6-day suspension as the starting point.
The Respondent’s riding record is treated as an aggravating factor and a 3-day uplift was applied to the 6-day starting point. The status of the race warrants an uplift in penalty, which was set at 1 day. In mitigation, Mr May’s frank admission of the breach affords a discount, which the Adjudicative Committee sets at 1 day.
After consideration of the above factors, a 9-day suspension was imposed.
Conclusion:
The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted and his Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 9 National Days, commencing after racing on 7 August 2024 and concluding after racing on 21 August 2024.
Decision Date: 03/08/2024
Publish Date: 05/08/2024