South Canterbury RC 9 October 2025 – R10 (heard 11 October 2025 at Ashburton) – Bruno Queiroz

Evidence:

This was an adjourned hearing from the South Canterbury Racing Club’s meeting at Timaru on 9 October 2025.

Following the running of Race 10, the Respondent Class A Rider Bruno Queiroz admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that as the Rider of QUEEN OF NAPLES “he angled his mount out forcing NATURAL MOMENTUM out onto RADIANT LASS, who in turn was forced into the line of LISE PAREE, who was checked near the 350m.”  

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.

Using the available race films, Stipendiary Steward Mark Davidson, with the assistance of Stipendiary Steward Veronica Fisher, demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned. Mrs Fisher pointed out Mr Queiroz, riding QUEEN OF NAPLES, racing 3 wide approaching the 350m, with NATURAL MOMENTUM (Abdul Najib), RADIANT LASS, (Tina Comignaghi) and LISE PAREE, (Floor Moerman) racing to the outside of Mr Queiroz. She pointed out Mr Queiroz shift outwards, forcing NATURAL MOMENTUM out onto RADIANT LASS, who in turn was forced out into the line of LISE PAREE, who was checked near the 350m.

In response, the Respondent stated that the horse immediately ahead of him, TOUGH TIME (Yogesh Atchamah), shifted out at the same time that he did, which aggravated the situation.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Davidson produced the Respondent’s riding record, which indicated 2 previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely 2 August 2025 – 8 days (Riccarton) in a Group Race and Auckland – 6 September 2025 – 6 day suspension – mid range.

Mr Davidson said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low to mid-range and submitted a starting point as per the Penalty Guide of a 6 day starting point. He added that Mr Queiroz had 211 rides in total, since arriving in the country 5-6 months prior. He added that Mr Queiroz’s record was reasonable, considering the number of rides he has had.

The Respondent advised of riding engagements through until 18 October 2025 at Ellerslie and sought a deferment to any proposed suspension.

In terms of any proposed penalty, the Respondent elected to make no submissions.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined the Respondent’s carelessness to be in the low to mid range and accordingly, adopted a 6-day suspension as the starting point. This conforms with the NZTR Penalty Guide.

The Respondent’s riding record is treated as a neutral factor, due to the number of rides being 211 since arriving in the country, with only 2 breaches in that period. In mitigation, Mr Queiroz’s frank admission of the breach warrants a discount, which the Adjudicative Committee set at 1 day.

After consideration of the above factors, a 5-day suspension was imposed.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted until 18 October 2025 and his Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 5 national days, commencing after racing on 18 October 2025 and concluding after racing on 25 October 2025.