Taranaki RI 4 February 2023 – R7 – Sam Weatherley

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 7, the Listed Grangewilliam Stud Oaks Prelude, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d). Details of the breach are as follows:

“in that S Weatherley (Klairelle) allowed his mount to shift inwards near the first turn dictating Fabulous Gal (J Bayliss) inwards onto Sheez Dominant (S Spratt) which was checked”

Mr Weatherley 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 available film (front, side and rear), Stewards demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned. Approaching the turn on the first occasion, KLAIRELLE is positioned in the second half of the field some 5-6 horse widths from the fence. Mr Weatherley is seen to steer his mount to be 3 off the fence. In undertaking this, he is insufficiently clear of FABULOUS GAL with Mr Bayliss seen to take hold. This action in turn causes SHEEZ DOMINANT to be checked. Immediately following this, Mr Weatherley is seen to glance over and in turn, is seen to come off. It was contended that the breach represented low range careless riding. KLAIRELLE finished 3rd in the event.

Decision:

As Mr Weatherley admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee found the charge proved.

Penalty Submissions:

Stipendiary Stewards produced Mr Weatherly’s record which indicated 2 previous breaches under Rule 638(1)(d) within the last twelve months; namely:

2/4/2022 – Manawatu RC – suspended 8 days fined $2,000 – below mid

3/8/2022 – Cambridge JC – suspended 7 days – mid

In addition to the foregoing noted was a breach of Rule 638(1)(b) as follows:

3/8/2022 – Cambridge JC – suspended 9 weeks (delivered 27/9/2022) – reckless

The Adjudicative Committee were referred to the current Guidelines and were asked to consider the status of the race and riding record. Mr Weatherly sought deferment of any penalty to satisfy riding commitments at Taupo on 7th February 2023.

Reason For Penalty:

The Adjudicative Committee considered evidence and submissions as presented and are satisfied the actions of the Respondent represented low range careless riding. The current Penalty Guidelines provide for a starting point of 5 days suspension in respect of same. This was adopted with an uplift of 2 days applied to reflect the status of the race and riding record. A deduction of 1 day was also applied to reflect admission of the charge. Suspension is deferred to enable the Respondent to satisfy riding commitments on 7th February 2023.

Conclusion:

Accordingly, Mr Weatherley’s licence to ride is suspended from the close of racing on 7th February 2023 up to and including 17th February 2023 – 6 national riding days.