Riverton RC 18 April 2022 – R10 (Heard at Riccarton on 23 April 2022) – Brett Murray

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 10, Carriers Arms Hotel Riverton Cup, the Respondent Class A Rider, Brett Murray, admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d). The Information alleged that, as the Rider of RIVIERA ROCK in the race, he crowded and checked HEIDI HI (K Williams) near the 1400 metres.

The Information was filed on the raceday and was heard at the meeting of Canterbury JC at Riccarton Park, Christchurch, on 23 April 2022.

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.

EVIDENCE:

Using the available video replays, Stipendiary Steward, Mark Davidson, showed the field approaching the 1400 metres. He demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned. He pointed out HEIDI HI, ridden by Kylie Williams, racing in 3rd position and one-out with Mr Murray, riding RIVIERA ROCK, improving 3-wide on the outside of that runner, and looking to shift ground inwards. Mr Davidson then showed Mr Murray shift his mount inwards forcing Ms Williams to take a strong hold of her mount and come back on LETSBRINGITON (Tina Comignaghi), which was also hampered. Mr Murray was only his own length clear at the time, Mr Davidson said. Ms Williams had lost her rightful running, he said.

The Respondent, Mr Murray, said that he had come in but that particular corner is in a bad spot and horses tend to “step in” at that point.

DECISION:

As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Davidson said that Mr Murray has two careless riding breaches on his record in the last 12 months – on 26 March 2022 at Riccarton, low-to-mid range, suspended 5 days and at Riccarton on 23 October 2021, low range, suspended 5 days.

Stewards regarded the breach as being just below mid-range, a starting point of 6-7 days, Mr Davidson said. He agreed that horses do tend to step in at that spot, as Mr Murray said.

The Respondent said that he had riding engagements at Timaru on 28 April next and sought a deferment.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee adopted a 6-days starting point in line with the NZTR Revised Penalty Guidelines (effective 1 March 2022) for a low-to-mid range breach. Mr Murray’s record is a neutral factor, but he is entitled to a discount for his admission of the breach.

CONCLUSION :

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted and his Class A Licence is suspended for  a period of 5 national riding days commencing after racing on 28 April and concluding after racing on 5 May 2022.