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Taranaki RI 1 December 2022 – R7 – Eilish Bragg

ID: RIB14059

Respondent(s):
Eilish Bragg - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
Mr K Coppins - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr B Mainwaring

Persons Present:
Mr Coppins, Mr N Goodwin - Senior Stipendiary Steward, Mrs Bragg, Mrs L Allpress - Senior Rider assisting Mrs Bragg

Information Number:
A15596

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Careless Riding

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
LUCKY PARK

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
01/12/2022

Race Club:
Taranaki Racing Inc

Race Location:
New Plymouth Raceway - Rogan Street, New Plymouth, 4310

Race Number:
R7

Hearing Date:
01/12/2022

Hearing Location:
New Plymouth

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Eilish Bragg is suspended for 4 National Riding Days

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 7, Mrs Bragg admitted a charge of careless riding issued pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d). Details of the charge are as follows:

“ in that E Bragg (LUCKY PARK) allowed her mount to shift out when insufficiently clear of SOUTHROAD (S O’Malley) which was checked in the home straight”.

Rule 638 (1)(d) provides

“ A rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless”.

Stipendiary Stewards identified the incident through available film. As the field entered the straight, LUCKY PARK is positioned against the fence behind the leaders with SOUTHROAD to its outside. Both horses are looking to improve. LUCKY PARK is angled out, which results in SOUTHROAD being squeezed between that runner and ONE BOLD CAT. LUCKY PARK is clearly the sole contributor to such interference. When asked for comment, the Respondent noted that she felt that her mount ‘over reacted’ to her movement. Mrs Allpress confirmed this view.

Decision:

As Mrs Bragg admitted the breach, it is deemed to be proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Stewards produced the Respondent’s record which is free of careless riding charges over the last twelve months. They considered the breach, on this occasion, sat at the low range with the Adjudicative Committee referred to the current Penalty Guideline.

Reasons for Penalty:

On balance, the Adjudicative Committee considered the breach sat at the low range. Clearly the Respondent’s mount is seen to shift ground, when insufficiently clear of SOUTHROAD. Ms O’Malley is forced to take evasive action which affects the chances of her mount.

A starting point of 5 days is adopted in respect of penalty. A reduction of 1 day is applied to reflect record along with admission of the breach.

Conclusion:

In determining penalty, the Adjudicative Committee noted that the Respondent was unable to confirm commitment to riding engagements beyond those declared for Auckland Thoroughbred Racing at Pukekohe Park on the 3rd  of December 2022.  Mrs Bragg’s licence to ride in races is suspended for 4 national riding days from the close of racing on the 3rd  of December 2022, up to and including 14th December 2022.

Decision Date: 01/12/2022

Publish Date: 13/01/2023