South Canterbury RC 28 December 2025 – R3 – Akshay Balloo

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 3, Stipendiary Steward Mrs Veronica Fisher 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.

Just after the commencement of the hearing Mr Balloo asked to change his plea to not admitted, which was accommodated.

Stipendiary Steward Mrs Rebecca Haley, identified Mr Balloo on the race film, passing the 1100m, riding his horse two off the rail. The video showed Mr Balloo looking to his inside and shortly after, shifting his horse into the racing line of SUPER ROSA (T Comignaghi), who was checked, losing some ground.

Mrs Fisher called Miss Comignaghi to give evidence. Miss Comignaghi said she saw Mr Balloo look to his inside and was confident he saw her there. She said Mr Balloo was just his length in front and she had to check her horse, when he shifted into her line.

Mr Balloo had no questions for Miss Comignaghi.

Mr Balloo said he had looked to his inside and was clear, before he had shifted in. He said the gap was there, but Miss Comignaghi has ridden her horse up, closing it, and therefore should share some responsibility for the incident.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

The Careless Riding Rule states there must be the horse’s length, plus 1 other, before shifting ground. The race video was conclusive, in showing Mr Balloo shifting into the racing line of SUPER ROSA when barely his length clear, which the Adjudicative Committee considered undefendable.

DECISION:

The Charge was deemed to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mrs Fisher stated Mr Balloo has 2 previous breaches of the Rule on his record.

28 March 2025 – suspended for 6 days.

24 Timaru 2025 – suspended for 6 days.

Mrs Fisher said Stewards viewed the breach at low range and a suspension in line with the Guidelines would be appropriate.

Mrs Fisher said Mr Balloo had ridden 224 times in the last 12 months and had accrued a suspension for a whip breach at Ashburton, which would be finishing after racing on 4 January 2026.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Penalty Guidelines provide a 5-day starting point for a low-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 his record as neutral. There are no other factors to consider here and Mr Balloo is suspended for 5 days.

CONCLUSION:

Class A Rider Mr Akshay Balloo, is suspended from the conclusion of racing on 4 January 2026, up to and including racing on 10 January 2026.