Taranaki RI 8 March 2025 – R3 – Harry Grace
ID: RIB52342
Animal Name:
BAY EXPRESS
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
08/03/2025
Race Club:
Taranaki Racing Inc
Race Location:
New Plymouth Raceway - Rogan Street, New Plymouth, 4310
Race Number:
R3
Hearing Date:
08/03/2025
Hearing Location:
New Plymouth
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Jockey Harry Grace was suspended for 6 days
FACTS
Jockey Harry Grace defended a charge in that he reduced the speed of the race on his mount BAY EXPRESS approaching the 1200 metre mark.
EVIDENCE
Stipendiary Steward Kelly Jillings, using the available films, pointed out that BAY EXPRESS was travelling well and leading coming off the course junction, when the pace suddenly slowed and BLUE RATA WAREA (J CHUNG) who was trailing approximately 2 lengths behind, was suddenly steadied and had to be taken hold of. This caused BELLA TRIBUTE, who was trailing BLUE RATA WAREA, to be steadied. Kelly Jillings pointed out that she believed the films showed Harry Grace raising his hands and tightening the rein, thereby slowing the pace. The horse immediately behind had to be steadied quickly.
Stipendiary Steward K Coppins indicated he felt there was no obvious reason for the pace to be slowed so suddenly.
Jockey H Grace stated his horse was travelling well and coming off the course junction, did cause his mount to slow. He felt coming into the corner contributed to the incident.
Jockey J CHUNG was called as a witness. He stated that he was trailing the leader, when the pace suddenly slowed and he had to take hold.
Jockey CHRIS DELL was also called to give evidence. He stated he moved his mount SCHUSKI up outside the leader just before the bend, when suddenly the pace was slowed, he heard calling from behind him, but could see no obvious reason for the pace to come off so suddenly.
After an adjournment, the Rule 638(4) was revisited, with emphasis being placed on the words “a Rider shall not unreasonably slow, reduce, or check.”
Jockey H Grace accepted the interpretation and meaning of the word unreasonable in the Rule and had no further comment.
SUMMING UP
Stipendiary Steward K Coppins had little to add. He believed the films showed the pace came out of the race for no obvious reason. Jockey Harry Grace stated the pace did come off, but the coming on to the course proper and approaching the bend, had a part to play.
REASON FOR DECISION
The speed did come out of the race abruptly for no apparent reason. From leading by at least three lengths, in a matter of about five strides, that margin was reduced to half a length. Two horses were affected, with BLUE RATA WAREA receiving interference at a crucial point of the race.
DECISION
The charge was found proved.
SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY
A penalty of a period of suspension was asked for by the Stipendiary Stewards as per the Guidelines. Jockey H Grace had not previously been charged under this Rule. He is a busy Rider, riding both here and in Australia.
A deferment was asked for by the Jockey, who had nothing to add.
REASONS FOR PENALTY
The pace of the race was slowed quickly by Jockey H Grace, leading and eventually winning, on BAY EXPRESS. One horse in particular, BLUE RATA WAREA, having to be firmly steadied and lost ground. No obvious reasons could be ascertained for dropping the speed so quickly at that point of the race.
CONCLUSION
A deferment asked for, was agreed to.
A six day suspension was imposed, beginning after racing on Saturday the 15th of March and ending on Wednesday the 26th of March 2025, after the completion of racing.
Decision Date: 08/03/2025
Publish Date: 11/03/2025