Southland RC 19 April 2026 – R8 (heard 25 April 2026 at Riccarton) – Ohara Najib

Evidence:

This adjourned hearing from the Southland Racing Club’s Meeting on 19 April 2026, was heard at the Canterbury Racing Meeting on 25 April 2026.

Following the running of Race 8, the Respondent Class B Rider Ohara Najib admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged “that as the Rider of JAIL BIRD, he allowed his mount to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of TRALEE BAY, which was checked near the 150 metres.”  

The Respondent acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach.

Mr Najib was assisted at the hearing by Licensed Trainer Michael Pitman.

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, Chief Stipendiary Steward John Oatham, with the assistance of Senior Stipendiary Steward, Mark Davidson, demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned. Mr Davidson pointed out Mr Najib, riding JAIL BIRD, racing mid track and mid field with TRALEE BAY, ridden by Terry Moseley, racing to the inside of JAIL BIRD approaching the 150m. Mr  Davidson showed on the available replays Mr Najib, when riding out JAIL BIRD, shift ground inwards when not clear of TRALEE BAY and as a result, that horse had to check.

In response, the Respondent stated that he believed he was clear and did not realise Mr Moseley was to his inside. Mr Pitman pointed out that he believed there was movement from runners to the outside and inside of both horses, which contributed to the incident.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr Oatham, stated that Mr Najib’s record in regard to this Rule, showed 2 previous breaches being 19 October 2025 – Ashburton (5 day suspension) and Tapanui – 21 December 2025 (4 days). He added that Mr Najib had ridden on 230 occasions over the past 12 months and said that consideration be given to treat the Respondent’s record as a neutral factor.

Mr Oatham said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low-range and submitted a starting point as per the Penalty Guide of a 5-day starting point.

The Respondent advised of riding engagements through until 30 April 2026 at Riccarton and sought a deferment to any proposed suspension.

Mr Pitman reiterated that there were mitigating factors with the inside and outside horses shifting ground, which he submitted, contributed to the incident.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined the Respondent’s carelessness to be in the low range and accordingly, adopted a 5-day suspension as the starting point.

Mr Najib’s record showing 2 previous breaches, the last being in December 2025, the Adjudicative Committee determined that his record would be treated as a neutral factor.

In mitigation, Mr Najib’s admission of the breach warrants a discount, which was set at 1 day.

After consideration of the above factors, a 4-day suspension was imposed.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted until after racing on 30 April 2026 at Riccarton and his Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 4 National Days, commencing after racing on 30 April 2026 and concluding after racing on 6 May 2026.