Southland RC 17 November 2021 – R9 – Brandon May

ID: RIB5923

Respondent(s):
Brandon May - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr J Oatham, Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr N Skelt

Persons Present:
Mr Oatham, Mr May, Miss R Haley and Mr V Munro, Stipendiary Stewards

Information Number:
A14155

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Careless Riding

Rule(s):
638(1)(d) - Riding/driving infringement

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
RITA HAYWORTH

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
17/11/2021

Race Club:
Southland Racing Club

Race Location:
Ascot Park Raceway - 29 Findlay Road, Ascot, Invercargill, 9810

Race Number:
R9

Hearing Date:
17/11/2021

Hearing Location:
Ascot Park, Invercargill

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Brandon May suspended for 6 national riding days

EVIDENCE:

At the conclusion of Race 9, The Christmas at the Races Saturday 11th December Handicap, Information A14155 was lodged by Chief Stipendiary Steward, Mr J Oatham alleging that Jockey, B May permitted his mount RITA HAYWORTH to shift in, when not sufficiently clear nearing the 1000m mark, of SHAM ON TOAST (R Mudhoo) and HEIDI HI (K Mudhoo).

Mr May was present at the hearing and confirmed he understood the Rule and also that he admitted the breach.

The Rule reads; A rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which is considered to be careless.

 SUBMISSIONS:

Mr Oatham asked Stipendiary Steward, Miss Haley to demonstrate on the various video footage of RITA HAYWORTH moving inwards checking SHAM ON TAOST and HEIDI HI around the 1000m mark.

Miss Haley highlighted the incident showing the inwards movement of RITA HAYWORTH (B May).

Mr May said his horse was travelling well at the time and he has simply moved inwards a stride too early and has made an error of judgement in doing so.

REASON FOR DECISION:

As the respondent Mr May admitted the breach the Committee finds the breach proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham produced Mr May’s recent riding record which showed 1 previous breach over the past  12 months, At the Rotorua Meeting 2 December 2020 where he received a suspension of 12 national riding days, the breach was deemed to be at a high level.

Mr Oatham stated that Mr May had recently transferred to the South Island.

Mr May requested a deferment of penalty.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

After considering the submissions Mr May was granted deferment of penalty. The Committee determined the level of carelessness being a touch below mid-range and adopted a suspension of 7 national riding days as a starting point, this conforms with the NZTR Penalty Guide as from 1 September 2021.

Mr May’s recent riding record has been satisfactory and his admittance of the breach and the breach being at the mid to lower end of the range has allowed for a 1 day reduction from the 7 day starting point.

CONCLUSIONS:

Mr May’s License to ride is suspended for a period of 6 national riding days commencing at the conclusion of racing on Friday, 26 November 2021 until the conclusion of racing on Saturday, 4 December 2021.

Decision Date: 17/11/2021

Publish Date: 20/11/2021