Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 9 August 2025 – R8 – Kavish Chowdhoory

Following the running of Race 8, Johnny Fresh Darfield & Yaldhurst Rating 65, Class A Jockey, Kavish Chowdhoory, admitted a breach of Rule 638(1)(d) in that, as the Rider of HIGHLAND FLING in the race, he rode carelessly in that “he allowed his mount to shift in when not clear of SACRED ROSE (Toni Davies), which was crowded and checked near the 1200 metres”.

Rule 638 provides as follows:

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

       (d)   careless.

EVIDENCE:

Chief Stipendiary Steward John Oatham, had Stipendiary Steward Veronica Fisher, show video replays of the early stages of the 1400 metres race. She pointed out the two runners – HIGHLAND FLING, ridden by Mr Chowdhoory, which had drawn barrier 12, and SACRED ROSE, ridden by Ms Davies, which had drawn barrier 10.

Mrs Fisher then showed that, after approximately 200 metres, HIGHAND FLING was heading forward, wide on the track, and shifted inwards when not fully clear of SACRED ROSE, which was racing to its inside, checking that runner. Mr Chowdhoory had attempted to relieve the pressure but was too late, Mrs Fisher said.

Mr Chowdhoory did not wish to comment.

DECISION:

The breach having been admitted, it is deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham said that Mr Chowdhoory has five previous breaches of the Careless Riding Rule on his record:

15 September 2024 at Awapuni – suspended 5 days (low-to-mid range);

23 November 2024 at Wanganui – suspended 7 days (low-range);

23 November 2024 at Wanganui – suspended 8 days (mid-range);

29 December 2024 at Wanganui – suspended 10 days (mid-range); and

15 March 2025 at Wanganui – suspended 7 days (low-range).

Mr Oatham explained that, in the case of most of those previous breaches, Mr Chowdhoory’s then poor record was a factor. Mr Chowdhoory has had 370 rides in the period of the last 12 months. He suggested that the Adjudicative Committee needed to take Mr Chowdhoory’s record into consideration. Stewards saw the present breach as being low-range, Mr Oatham said.

Mr Chowdhoory asked if any term of suspension could be deferred until after the meeting at Hawera on 17 August.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The breach is assessed by the Adjudicative Committee as being in the low range and, in this respect, agrees with Mr Oatham. The RIB Thoroughbred Penalty Guide (March 2024) suggests a starting point for penalty for such a breach of 6 national riding days.

Although the breach is Mr Chowdhoory’s sixth in the last eleven months, it is noted by the Adjudicative Committee that, since December, he has only one breach on his record. In the last 12 months, he has had 370 rides. Those factors tend to make his record not as bad as it may appear. However, an uplift of the starting point of one day, to 7 days, is appropriate for the aggravating factor of that record.

Mr Chowdhoory has made a very frank admission of his guilt and, for that mitigating factor, the Adjudicative Committee gives a discount of one day from the adjusted starting point. The period of suspension is, therefore, 6 national riding days.

CONCLUSION:

Class A Jockey, Kavish Chowdhoory’s Licence to ride in races is suspended from 18 August 2025 to 29 August 2025, both dates inclusive – 6 national riding days.