Taranaki RI 22 November 2024 – R1 – Masa Hashizume

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 1, the Respondent Class A Rider Masa Hashizume, admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that he permitted his mount AVORIAZ to shift inwards, when not sufficiently clear of LAZY near the 1600 metres.  

Mr Hashizume acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach.

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, Stipendiary Steward Mr Goodwin demonstrated the incident, which happened towards the end of the home straight on the first occasion. Mr Hashizume was in the middle of the track, with 2 horses to his outside and several to his inside. As he came across closer to the fence, he was not the required distance clear of Mr Kauri, who was racing on the fence, and had to take evasive action, clipping a heel in the process.

Mr Hashizume explained that Ms Newman, Ms Sutherland, and Mr Kauri were all to his inside. He expected Ms Newman and Ms Sutherland to move forward, but when they maintained their position, he proceeded forward and towards the rail. He misjudged Mr Kauri’s position and was unable to provide more room, due to a Rider on his outside crossing in front and slowing down.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Oatham produced Mr Hashizume’s riding record, which indicated 3 previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely:

19/4/24     Matamata – 4 day suspension, low-end

11/5/24     Rotorua – 6 day suspension, mid-range – Listed Race

26/10/24   Ellerslie – 4 days, low-end

Mr Hashizume has had 758 mounts in the past 12 months.

Mr Oatham said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low range.

Mr Hashizume advised of riding engagements through until Saturday November 30th and sought a deferment to any proposed suspension.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined the carelessness to be in the low range and adopted a 5-day suspension as the starting point, in accordance with the NZTR Penalty Guide (March 2024). Several factors were taken into consideration, including Mr Hashizume’s attempt to accommodate less experienced Riders, and external factors that limited his ability to provide more room.  Mr Hashizume’s riding record was considered a neutral factor however, a reduction of 1 day was applied for his admission of the breach, resulting in the final penalty determination of a 4 day suspension.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted and his Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 4 days, commencing after racing on Saturday November 30th and concluding after racing on Friday December 6th 2024.