South Canterbury RC 28 December 2024 – R6 – Akshay Balloo
ID: RIB49952
Animal Name:
AVITUS
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
28/12/2024
Race Club:
South Canterbury Racing Club
Race Location:
Phar Lap Raceway - State Highway 1, Washdyke, Timaru,
Race Number:
R6
Hearing Date:
28/12/2024
Hearing Location:
Phar Lap Raceway
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Akshay Balloo is suspended for 8 days
EVIDENCE:
Following the running of Race 6, Stipendiary Steward Mr Mark Davidson presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 638(3)(g)(i) by Class A Rider Mr Akshay Balloo.
Mr Balloo stated he understood the Charge, was conversant with the Rule and confirmed he admitted the breach.
Mr Davidson identified Mr Balloo (AVITUS) finishing in the middle of the racetrack, where he counted 8 strikes before the 100m. Mr Davidson said there was one more strike right on the 100m, but it was given the benefit of the doubt.
Mr Balloo made no submissions.
DECISION:
The Respondent having admitted the breach, the charge was deemed to be proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mr Davidson said Mr Balloo had 3 previous breaches of the Rule within the last 12 months.
21 July – 5 days for 8 strikes
10 August – 6 days for 8 strikes
16 November – 7 days for 9 strikes
Mr Davidson considered Mr Balloo’s record to be an aggravating factor.
Mr Balloo made no submissions on Penalty.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
The Penalty Guidelines provide a 5+day suspension for 3 additional strikes, 4th offence.
The Adjudicative Committee is compelled to uplift the starting point, as Mr Balloo’s record is now poor in relation to his whip use.
The Adjudicative Committee finds an 8-day suspension to be appropriate in the circumstances of this case. This suspension is now added to an earlier indiscretion in Race 5, where he was suspended for 5 days.
CONCLUSION:
Class A Jockey Mr Akshay Balloo’s Licence to ride in races is suspended from 6 January 2025, to 16 January 2025 inclusive.
Decision Date: 28/12/2024
Publish Date: 30/12/2024