Southland RC 11 December 2021 – R5 – Savish Khetoo

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Following the running of Race 5 the Choppas Tyres Handicap an Information A15884 was lodged by Stipendiary Steward Mr M Davidson alleging that Apprentice Jockey Mr Savish Khetoo (Tyler Eight) angled his mount inwards passing the 1100m, crowding and checking Mint Julep (K Chowdhoory) and Cheers (S Toolooa).

Mr Khetoo was present at the hearing and was supported by Apprentice Jockey Mentor Mr D Walsh and by his employer Mr K Tyler who is also the Trainer of Tyler Eight.

Mr Khetoo confirmed he understood the Rule and that he did not admit the breach.

SUBMISSIONS:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Davidson requested Miss Haley (Stipendiary Steward) to show the video clips of the alleged incident and highlight the horses and Jockeys concerned.

Miss Haley stated that Tyler Eight (Mr Khetoo) has moved in significantly around the 1100m mark crowding Mint Julep (K Chowdhoory) and in turn Cheers (S Toolooa).

Miss Haley highlighted on the video clip Cheers having a slight brush with the running rail as a result of the alleged crowding.

Mr Davidson asked Mr Chowdhoory to give his account of the events. Mr Chowdhoory said he had called out to Mr Khetoo as he was running out of room. Mr Davidson also asked Mr Toolooa (Rider of Cheers) to give his account of the event. Mr Toolooa stated that there had been movement from outwards to inwards and his horse was racing in tight quarters. On viewing the video clip he confirmed that his horse had brushed the running rail.

Mr Walsh representing Mr Khetoo stated that Mr Khetoo had tried to put himself into a good racing position and he believed there was pressure on the two inside runners (Mint Julep and Cheers) as the horses were racing in very tight quarters. He believed Mr Khetoo was more a victim of circumstance as Mr Chowdhoory had the opportunity in his opinion to relieve some of the pressure which he did not do. He also stated that Mr Toolooa had sneaked up on the inside which did not assist the situation.

Mr Tyler (Mr Khetoo’s employer) said that all of the horses were racing in tight quarters and he believed any crowding was very minimal.

REASON FOR DECISION:

After carefully viewing the video clips of the alleged incident and considering all of the evidence it was clear that Tyler Eight (Mr Khetoo) has moved inwards and has caused both Mint Julep and Cheers to be crowded and checked and as a result the charge has been found proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Davidson stated that he believed the carelessness in this instance was at the low end and that a penalty of a suspension of 4 National Riding Days may be appropriate. He also confirmed that Mr Khetoo has had 3 previous careless riding charges this season. On 06/02/2021 at Southland Racing Club (mid level and above) he received a 6 National Riding Day suspension and a $250 fine. On the 14/08/2021 at Canterbury Jockey Club (mid range) he received a suspension of 6 National Riding Days and a $250 fine. On the 21/10/2021 at Otago Racing Club he received a 4 weeks suspension.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

Mr Khetoo has moved inwards crowding Mint Julep who in turn has tightened Cheers who was racing on his inside. The range of carelessness is at the low end in this instance.

It is clear that neither Mint Julep and Cheers nor their Riders have contributed to the incident.

The starting point in fixing penalty is a 4 day suspension, and it is noted that the level of carelessness in this instance is at the very low end however any decrease for record is balanced by Mr Khetoo’s non admittance of the breach.

CONCLUSIONS:

Mr Khetoo is suspended for 4 National Riding Days commencing from the conclusion of racing on Saturday 11th December 2021 up to the conclusion of racing on Saturday 18th December 2021.