Riccarton Park – Riccarton Turf 2 May 2026 – R2 – Floor Moerman

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 2, Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr John Oatham, presented an Information alleging a breach of the Careless Riding Rule by Apprentice Rider Miss Floor Moerman.

Miss Moerman stated she was conversant with the Rule, the Charge, and confirmed she did not admit the breach. Miss Moerman was assisted at the hearing by Apprentice Mentor Mr Jason Laking.

EVIDENCE:

Mr Oatham had Stipendiary Steward Mrs Haley identify Miss Moerman riding LUCKY FERRANDO and Mr Balloo riding RETROSTAR, drawn the outside gates at the 1600m start. Mrs Haley showed, at approximately the 1400m, Miss Moerman angle her mount inwards, dictating RETROSTAR into the racing line of JACK CRAB, (T Comignaghi) who was checked.

Mr Oatham called Miss Comignaghi, the Rider of JACK CRAB, to give evidence. She stated she had received pressure from the outside and was checked.

Mr Oatham called Mr Balloo, the Rider of RETROSTAR, to give evidence. Mr Balloo said his horse was racing a little greenly and had just cleared the horse to his inside, when he received pressure from the outside. Mr Balloo, under questioning from Mr Oatham, said he was just inside the heels of LUCKY FERRANDO and was unable to provide room for JACK CRAB (T Comignaghi) to his inside.

Mr Laking used the video to demonstrate a shift outward by GREAT ADVENTURE, who was racing forward of RETROSTAR and said it contributed to the crowding and check to Miss Comignaghi. He said if Miss Moerman is guilty of the charge, then perhaps there are other Riders in the same boat.

Mr Oatham in summing up, said his witnesses were certain of their evidence and it was clear Miss Moerman was not her length and another, when crossing RETROSTAR.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

The video evidence was compelling, showing Miss Moerman was not her length and another clear, when she rode into the line of Mr Balloo.

The Adjudicative Committee agrees RETROSTAR appeared green, however, it is the responsibility of Miss Moerman to be her length and another clear, before shifting in. The shift outwards by GREAT ADVENTURE, in the opinion of the Adjudicative Committee, was after the fact and had no bearing on its decision.

DECISION:

The Charge was found to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham said Miss Moerman has four previous breaches on record.

12 November 2025 at Riccarton, 5 days, low/ mid-level.

14 December 2025 at Wellington, 4 days, low level.

22 March 2026 at Masterton, 4 days, low level.

4 April 2026 at Riverton, 5 days, low level.

Mr Oatham said Miss Moerman is a very busy Apprentice Rider, who has had 450 rides in the last 12 months. He said Stewards believe, because of this, her record could be assessed as neutral.

Miss Moerman wished to defer any proposed suspension until after tomorrow’s racing at Tauherenikau.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines provide a starting point suspension of 5 days, low range. Miss Moerman has chosen to defend this charge, as is her right, however, the Adjudicative Committee can find no mitigating or aggravating factors to depart from the Guidelines on this occasion.

CONCLUSION:

Deferment is granted and Miss Moerman is suspended from the conclusion of racing on 3 May, up to and including racing on 13 May 2026 – 5 days.