South Canterbury RC 28 December 2025 – R1 – Brandon May
ID: RIB62140
Animal Name:
NAVAL COMMAND
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
28/12/2025
Race Club:
South Canterbury Racing Club
Race Location:
Phar Lap Raceway - State Highway 1, Washdyke, Timaru,
Race Number:
R1
Hearing Date:
28/12/2025
Hearing Location:
Phar Lap Raceway
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Brandon May is suspended for 6 days
EVIDENCE:
Following the running of Race 1, Stipendiary Steward Mrs Veronica Fisher presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d) by Jockey Mr Brandon May.
Mr May stated he understood the Rule and Charge and confirmed his admission of the breach.
Mrs Fisher had Stipendiary Steward Mrs Rebecca Haley identify Mr May riding NAVAL COMMAND, racing one off the rail at approximately the 200m. Mrs Fisher said Mr May has allowed his horse to shift outwards and into the racing line of COCOMORA (K Hercock), who was checked.
Mr May made no submissions.
DECISION:
The Respondent, having admitted the breach, the charge was deemed to be proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mrs Fisher said Mr May has 3 previous breaches under the Rule, within the last 12 months.
1 January at Riverton – 6 days (low-level)
3 April at Ashburton – 6 days (low to mid-level)
9 August at Riccarton – 6 days (mid-level)
Mrs Fisher said Mr May has ridden 123 times since his last breach and the Stewards believe this breach is in the mid-range.
Mr May made no submissions on penalty, other than he wished to take any suspension after racing on 1 January at Riverton.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
The Penalty Guidelines provide a 7-day suspension for a mid-range breach of the Rule.
The Adjudicative Committee agrees this is a mid-range breach. Mr May has admitted the breach at the earliest opportunity, his recent riding record is very good, and a day’s discount is afforded to him. Deferment was granted.
CONCLUSION:
The Adjudicative Committee finds a six-day suspension to be appropriate in this case and Mr May’s Licence to ride in races is suspended from the conclusion of racing on 1 January, up to and including racing on 8 January 2026.
Decision Date: 28/12/2025
Publish Date: 29/12/2025