Taranaki RI 27 December 2025 – R1 – Jonathan Riddell

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 1, Mr Jonathan Riddell admitted a charge of careless riding under Rule 638(1)(d). The Information alleged that he permitted his mount LOS SALSERO to shift in near the 200 metres, crowding IKAN, which was steadied.

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

Using the race films, Stipendiary Steward Ms K Jillings demonstrated that approaching the 200 metres, LOS SALSERO, ridden by Mr Riddell, was positioned two off the rail with IKAN, ridden by Ms A Riddell, racing directly to his inside on the fence. These 2 runners were leading the field. The films showed Mr Riddell riding vigorously with his head down and allowing LOS SALSERO to shift inwards, resulting in IKAN being crowded and having to be steadied.

When spoken to, Mr Riddell stated that he had not appreciated the extent of his inward shift at the time, as he was riding with his head down, and that, upon viewing the films post‑race, he accepted the interference and said he felt terrible about the incident.

Decision:

As Mr Riddell admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Riddell’s riding record shows 3 previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely

29/11/25 4 days

22/6/25 5 days

25/5/25 3 days

He has had 344 rides in that time frame.

Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low to mid-range.

It was further submitted that while IKAN finished third, and was clearly inconvenienced, given the manner in which the second‑placed horse finished the race off strongly, the interference was unlikely to have cost IKAN second placing.

Reasons for Penalty:

In determining penalty, the Adjudicative Committee had regard to the NZTR Penalty Guidelines for careless riding, which prescribe a 5‑day suspension as the starting point for a low‑range breach and a 7‑day suspension for a mid‑range breach.

The Adjudicative Committee assessed Mr Riddell’s overall culpability as above low range, because he was riding vigorously at the time and failed to maintain his line, allowing LOS SALSERO to shift inwards for approximately three strides, before taking corrective action. His inward movement caused IKAN to be crowded onto the running rail and steadied. Although there was interference, the evidence did not support a conclusion that IKAN was denied second place.

The Adjudicative Committee treated the level of carelessness as low‑to‑mid range and adopted a 6‑day suspension as the appropriate starting point. Mr Riddell’s record was treated as neutral and while he admitted the breach, this was inevitable, in light of the clear video evidence and did not warrant a day off the penalty. Balancing all factors, the Adjudicative Committee concluded that a 6‑day suspension is the appropriate penalty in this case.

Conclusion:

Mr Riddell’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 6 days, commencing after racing on Saturday January 3rd and concluding after racing on Saturday January 10th, 2026.