Waikato RC 18 September 2022 – R9 – Mubs Kareem

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 9, Class B Apprentice Rider Mubs Kareem admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information (No. A17231) alleged that as the Rider of TIPTRONIC Mr Kareem permitted his mount to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of BULLYBROOK which was hampered near 1150 metres.

Mr Kareem acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach. He was assisted at the hearing by Trainer Mr G Richardson.

Rule 638(1) (d) provides: A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.

Using the available race films, Chief Stipendiary Steward, Mr Oatham demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned. He pointed out that nearing the 1150 metres, TIPTRONIC was racing 3-wide on the outer of BULLYBROOK (E Bragg), with QUIZ KID (E Nicholas) on its inner near the running rail.

Mr Oatham said that Mr Kareem shifted inwards intending to go to the front.  In doing so he applied pressure to BULLYBROOK who was tightened, and Rider E Bragg had to take hold of her mount to allow room for QUIZ KID.  Mr Oatham said that when questioned about the incident, Ms Bragg believed she clipped the heel of TIPTRONIC.  Mr Oatham said it was not evident in the films that she did clip heels.

In response, Mr Kareem said that he tried to shift in gradually and did not realise he was not the required distance clear of the other runners.

Decision:

As the Respondent Mr Kareem admitted the breach the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submission for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mr B Jones advised that Mr Kareem has had 21 race day rides over the past 12 months, and he has a clear record.  He said that this breach is low end.  He recommended a penalty commensurate with a low range breach be imposed.

In response, Mr Kareem sought a deferment to any proposed penalty until after racing at Matamata on 21 September 2022.  Mr Richardson submitted that Mr Kareem will “learn from this experience.”

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering the submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined the Respondent’s carelessness to be in the low range, which has a starting point of a 5-day (suspension).

The available films clearly established that the Respondent shifted inwards when not his own length and one other clear of BULLYBROOK who was checked and had to avoid QUIZ KID who was on its inner.  The Adjudicative Committee carefully considered whether BULLYBROOK clipped the heels of TIPTRONIC and determined the films were inconclusive on this aspect.

The Respondent has a good record under the Rule, but this must be tempered by the fact that he has only had 21 race day mounts over the past 12 months.

After taking into consideration the Respondent’s record, his admission, and the low-end nature of the breach, a 1-day discount was applied to the starting point.    Accordingly, Mr Kareem is suspended for 4 (national) days.

Conclusion:

Mr Kareem is granted a deferment and his license to ride in races is suspended for a period of 4 days commencing after racing on 21 September 2022 and concluding after racing on 25 September 2022.