South Canterbury RC 24 September 2025 – R7 – Akshay Balloo

ID: RIB59112

Respondent(s):
Akshay Balloo - Jockey

Applicant:
Mrs Rebecca Haley - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Dave Anderson

Persons Present:
Mr Mark Davidson, Mrs Veronica Fisher - Stipendiary Stewards, Mrs Haley and Mr Balloo

Information Number:
A20708

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Shifting ground checking another runner

Rule(s):
638(1)(d) - Riding/driving infringement

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
HOUSE OF TUDOR

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
24/09/2025

Race Club:
South Canterbury Racing Club

Race Location:
Phar Lap Raceway - State Highway 1, Washdyke, Timaru,

Race Number:
R7

Hearing Date:
24/09/2025

Hearing Location:
Phar Lap Raceway

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Akshay Balloo is suspended for 6 days

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 7, Stipendiary Steward Mrs Rebecca Haley presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d) by Class A Rider Mr Akshay Balloo.

Mr Balloo stated he was conversant with the Rule and Charge and confirmed he admitted the breach.

Stipendiary Steward Mrs Veronica Fisher identified Mr Balloo on the race film, passing the 300m, riding his horse three off the rail. The video showed Mr Balloo allowing his horse to shift inwards when not clear of SATIN DOLL (G Jogoo), at approximately the 250m, who was checked, losing ground and momentum. Mrs Haley said Mr Balloo has made no attempt to straighten his horse.

Mr Balloo made no submissions.

DECISION:

The Respondent having admitted the breach, it was deemed to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mrs Haley stated Mr Balloo has 2 previous breaches of the Rule on his record:

13 November 2024 – suspended for 8 days in a Group Race.

28 March 2025 – suspended for 6 days.

Mrs Haley said Stewards viewed the breach at low to mid and a suspension in line with the Guidelines would be appropriate.

Mr Balloo said he would take his suspension after racing on Saturday at Riccarton.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines provide a 6-day starting point for a low to mid-range breach of the Careless Riding Rule.

Mr Balloo’s previous suspensions on his record are on par for a relatively busy Rider and the Adjudicative Committee is prepared to view this record as neutral.

Mr Balloo has admitted the breach and the Adjudicative Committee considers a 6-day suspension to be fair and reasonable in the circumstances of this incident.

CONCLUSION:

Class A Rider Mr Akshay Balloo is suspended from the conclusion of racing on 27 September, up to and including racing on 8 October 2025.

Decision Date: 24/09/2025

Publish Date: 25/09/2025