Riverton RC 1 January 2025 – R6 – Ashvin Goindasamy

Background:

Following the running of Race 6, Class A Rider Ashvin Goindasamy admitted a breach of Rule 638(1)(d) in that he rode carelessly when he shifted ground outwards when not sufficiently clear on STOLEN MAGIC, crowding and checking LOVELOCK (L Callaway) passing the 650 metres.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides:

A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.

At the start of the hearing, Mr Goindasamy confirmed his admission of the breach and that he understood the Rule and the nature of the charge.

Evidence:

Using the available race videos, Stipendiary Steward Rebecca Haley identified Mr Goindasamy (STOLEN MAGIC) positioned midfield on the outer passing the 800 metre mark. Approaching the 650 metre mark, Mr Goindasamy shifted his horse 3-wide. Improving to his outside was Mr Callaway on LOVELOCK, who was forced to check his horse as Mr Goindasamy shifted out. Ms Haley said the Respondent was not clear of Mr Callaway when shifting out. Ms Haley submitted that ZA BEAUTEOUS (K Williams), out wider, was also slightly hampered by Mr Goindasamy’s actions.

Mr Davidson added that LOVELOCK, which finished well back in the race, had been galloped on in a separate incident.

Mr Goindasamy said the horses in front of him were stopping, including the horse he was following. He said STOLEN MAGIC was pulling and he “wanted to get rolling”, so he popped out wider to track a horse ahead of him that was improving. At the same time, Riders who were wider and behind him, were pushing forward to attempt to improve their position. Mr Goindasamy said it all happened quite quickly. He said he did not have enough clearance when he shifted out. He said he heard Mr Callaway call out after his horse was checked.

Decision:

As the Respondent has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Davidson produced the Respondent’s record, which included three previous breaches of the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months:

23 February 2024 at Riccarton – suspended for 4 days (low-range);

14 March 2024 at Ashburton – suspended for 5 days (low-to-mid range); and

2 June 2024 at Wingatui – suspended for 5 days (low-to-mid range).

The Respondent had not breached this Rule for more than six months, and Mr Davidson said this could be viewed as a good record. Mr Goindasamy had had 361 rides throughout the country in the last 12 months. He routinely rides in both the North and South Islands, therefore any period of suspension was significant.

Stewards considered this latest breach to be low-range, Mr Davidson said. It was submitted that any penalty should also reflect Mr Goindasamy’s admission of the breach.

The Respondent emphasised that he was a busy Rider with a good recent record. This was his first time riding at Riverton and he said he unfortunately made an error.

Mr Goindasamy requested a deferment of any possible suspension, to allow him to ride at the Greymouth Meeting on 5 January 2025.

Reasons for Penalty:

This was the first day the Respondent had ridden the Riverton track. The shift outwards by Mr Goindasamy near the 650 metre mark, caused one horse to be checked and another to be slightly hampered. The Adjudicative Committee assesses the level of carelessness by the Respondent to be low range. The RIB Thoroughbred Racing Penalty Guide suggests a starting point for a breach at this level is a 5 day suspension.

Although Mr Goindasamy has 3 careless riding breaches in the last 12 months, the most recent of these was seven months ago. This can be considered a net positive for a busy Rider who routinely accepts engagements throughout the country. Coupled in mitigation with his admission of the breach, this warrants a 1 day reduction in the period of suspension. There are no aggravating factors.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted. Class A Rider Ashvin Goindasamy is suspended from riding in races from the conclusion of racing on 5 January 2025, up to and including racing on 10 January 2025, this being 4 national riding days.