Taranaki RI 6 November 2024 – R2 – Ace Lawson-Carroll

Background:

Following the running of Race 2, the ‘Peninsular Beachfront Resort Mooloolaba 1200’, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d). Details are as follows:

‘permitted his mount ‘Sesimbra’ to shift outwards when not sufficiently clear of ‘Justadude’, which was checked passing the 550′.

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 (assisted by Mr Ramsay) confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee that he understood the Rule and admitted the breach.

Evidence:

Stewards, through film, identified the incident and horses involved. On passing the 600 metre mark and approaching the turn, SESIMBRA was positioned in 2nd place, essentially against the fence, with JUSTADUDE (Mr George Rooke) to his outside. The Respondent then sought to move out and around the leader. In doing so, he was insufficiently clear of JUSTADUDE, with this move resulting in a check. Mr Rooke was forced to take hold, losing 1-2 lengths. Mr Oatham did contend that JUSTADUDE did overreact. By way of explanation, Mr Lawson-Carroll commented that his mount did pick up quicker than he had anticipated and if he had waited for 1 more stride before looking to improve, there may have been a different outcome.

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 last twelve months. There were four previous noted namely:

21st November 2023 – 7 days suspension

25th November 2023 – 7 days suspension

27th April 2024           – 5 days suspension

26th June 2024           – 6 days suspension

The Respondent has had 470 rides in the last twelve months. Stewards contended that the breach sat low to mid range and referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current NZTR Penalty Guide. Mr Oatham did comment that in his opinion, record was not an aggravating factor, given two of the aforementioned suspensions were imposed nearly 12 months ago. Mr Lawson-Carroll sought deferment of any suspension to satisfy riding engagements at Tauranga on 16th November 2024.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Adjudicative Committee was satisfied that the breach represented a low-range careless ride. Film identified that the Respondent did look to improve up and around around the leading horse, when insufficiently clear of JUSTADUDE, with same resulting in the check. The Penalty Guide provides for starting point of a 5 day suspension in the case of a low range breach. On balance, the Adjudicative Committee determined this to be the appropriate penalty. Deferment of the suspension was granted.

Conclusion:

Mr Lawson-Carroll’s Licence to ride in Races is suspended for 5 National Riding Days, commencing at the close of racing on 16 November 2024, up to and including  23 November 2024.