Waikato TR 13 December 2025 – R1 – Opie Bosson

Background:

Following the running of Race 1, the ‘Wentwood Grange 3yo’, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d). Details are as follows:

‘in that he permitted his mount to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of ‘HALO’S FIRE’ (G Rooke), which was forced inwards, making contact with ‘CHATELLE ROSE’ near the 200 metres’ 

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 he understood the Rule, the nature of the charge and admitted the breach.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards identified the incident and horses involved. Approaching the 200 metre mark, the Respondent’s mount was positioned some 4 horse widths from the fence and was finishing strongly from the rear of the field. At this point, the Respondent allows his mount to shift in. It was contended that he was not the required distance ahead of those horses to his inside, when allowing his mount to shift. As a result, Mr G Rooke (HALO’S FIRE) is required to take hold, with his mount forced inward, making contact with CHATELLE ROSE.  The Respondent’s mount won the event. In providing comment, Mr Bosson readily admitted the breach, adding that the horses to his inside were were running greenly.

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 is one noted, namely Matamata RC on 4 October 2025, where a low/mid careless riding breach resulted in a 5 day suspension. Mr Bosson has had approximately 160 rides since resuming. Stewards contended the breach ‘sat’ low range and referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current Penalty Guide. Mr Bosson advised that any suspension imposed could commence immediately.

Reason for Penalty:

The incident is satisfactorily identified through film. The Respondent was not sufficiently clear when allowing his mount to shift. Although the movement was 1-2 horse widths, it did, in the view of the Adjudicative Committee, materially affect the chances of the two horses to his inside. It was noted that upon recovering from the check, HALO’S FIRE did finish the race out strongly, being 2.9 lengths from the winner.

The Adjudicative Committee was satisfied that the degree of carelessness sat low to mid-range.  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 reduction was applied to reflect record and ready admission. After consideration of film and submissions, a 5 day suspension was deemed the appropriate penalty.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 5 NR Days, from the close of racing on 13 December 2025, up to and including racing on 21 December 2025.