Taranaki RI 31 December 2025 – R1 – Kelly Myers

Background:

Following the running of Race 1 the ‘Active Electrical Maiden 2000m’, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d). Details are as follows:

‘in that she angled her mount NED KELLY outwards near the 800m when not clear of SARGENT (M Singh) which was bumped and became unbalanced’ 

Rule 638(1)(d) provides:

(1) A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be:

(d) careless.

The Respondent confirmed that she understood the Rule, the nature of the charge and admitted the breach.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards identified the incident and horses involved. Passing the 1000m mark NED KELLY is situated toward the rear of the field with GIO MAGICA (Mr Joe Doyle) slightly ahead and SARGENT (Mr Madan Singh) to its hind quarters. At the 800 metre point GIO MAGICA is seen to move with NED KELLY seeking to follow this horse into the race. When this movement is initiated SARGENT also looks to improve. NED KELLY moves into that line to which SARGENT is entitled with this horse being bumped and becoming unbalanced. By way of explanation Ms Myers commented that when she initially looked to move she had not anticipated that Mr Singh would also look to do so. She conceded that when realising this she should have taken hold.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stewards outlined the Respondent’s record as it relates to any breach of this particular Rule within the 12-month reference period. There were two noted namely:

Auckland TR 9 April 2025 – 4 day suspension (low range)

Waverley RC 28 September 2025 – 4 day suspension (low range)

Ms Myers has had 613 rides within the last twelve months. Her record remains commendable. Stewards contended the breach ‘sat’ low range and referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current Penalty Guide. Ms Myers sought deferral of any suspension until conclusion of racing on 3rd January 2026.

Reason for Penalty:

The incident is satisfactorily identified through film. The Adjudicative Committee determined that the degree of carelessness sat low to mid-range. By the Respondents own admission she continued to move her mount when it was required that she took a hold. The current Penalty Guide provides a starting point for low-range careless at a 5-day suspension and mid-range careless, a 7-day suspension. A 6-day suspension was adopted as the starting point. A 1 day reduction was applied to reflect record with a 5 day suspension imposed. Ms Myers request for deferment is granted.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 5 NR days from the close of racing on 3rd January 2026 up to and including 9th January 2026.