Taranaki RI 16 September 2023 – R2 – Triston Moodley

ID: RIB27460

Respondent(s):
Triston Moodley - Apprentice Jockey

Applicant:
Mr Neil Goodwin - Senior Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Mr Bruce Mainwaring, Mrs Nicki Moffatt

Persons Present:
Mr Neil Goodwin - Senior Stipendiary Steward, Ms Veronica Algar & Mr Keith Coppins - Stipendiary Stewards, Ms Kim Clapperton (assisting), Mr Triston Moodley

Information Number:
A17443

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Careless Riding

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

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
Polly Grey

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
16/09/2023

Race Club:
Taranaki Racing Inc

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

Race Number:
R2

Hearing Date:
16/09/2023

Hearing Location:
New Plymouth Racecourse 1 Wogan Street New Plymouth 4310

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Triston Moodley is suspended 5 NR days

Background:

Following the running of Race 2, the “Signright Open’, Respondent Mr Triston Moodley admitted a charge of careless riding filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).

Details of the alleged breach is as follows:

‘in that he allowed his mount Polly Grey to shift in when not fully clear of Enchanted Elle  which was checked passing the winning post on the first round’.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides: A rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.

Mr Moodley confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee that he understood the Rule and admitted the charge. This was endorsed by Ms Clapperton.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards demonstrated the incident and horses involved.

After leaving the gates and approaching the winning post on the first occasion, POLLY GREY is positioned 4-5 horse widths from the fence. Mr Moodley looks to to improve and cross. In doing so, he is insufficiently clear of ENCHANTED ELLE (Ms T Davies), who as a result, is checked and is seen to clip heels. When asked, Mr Moodley commented that prior to moving, he had looked across. Ms Clapperton was of the view that although Mr Moodley had looked across, he had not ensured (due to inexperience) that his mount was travelling well enough to do so.

Decision:

As the Respondent admitted the charge, it is deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Stewards contended that the breach sat in the low to mid range and referred to the current NZTR Penalty Guideline. Mr Moodley did not offer specific comment, although sought deferment of any imposed suspension to satisfy engagements at Matamata on 20th September 2023.

Reasons for Penalty:

After consideration, the Adjudicative Committee determined Mr Moodley’s carelessness to sit mid range. Given that ENCHANTED ELLE clipped heels, consequences could have been greater than that which had eventuated.  A 6 day suspension was adopted as a starting point. This conforms with current NZTR Penalty Guidelines.  The Respondent has recorded one breach of this Rule within the last twelve months, this being Ruakaka on 1st July 2023 – suspended 6 days. He has some 90 rides since commencing his career. To reflect inexperience and ready admission of the breach, a reduction of 1 day was deemed appropriate.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for deferment is granted and his Licence to ride in races is suspended from the close of racing on 20th September 2023, up to and including 27th September 2023 – 5 National Riding days.

Decision Date: 16/09/2023

Publish Date: 18/09/2023