Waikato TR 15 June 2024 – R3 – Maria Sanson

Following the running of Race 3, Apprentice Rider Ms M Sanson (supported by Trainer Mr S Autridge) admitted a charge of Careless Riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d). The Information alleged that Ms Sanson:

“…angled her mount BARCELONA outwards when not sufficiently clear of PRISCA (J Fawcett) which was hampered near the 300 metres.”

Ms Sanson confirmed that she understood the Rule and admitted 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.

Evidence

Using available race films, Mrs Selvakumaran demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned. She pointed out that nearing the 300 metre mark in the home straight, Ms Sanson forced a run and in doing so, she permitted her mount to shift out, hampering and forcing PRISCA wider on the track.  She said that PRISCA lost approximately one length as a result.  Mrs Selvakumaran estimated that BARCELONA was no more than half a length clear of PRISCA at the time of the outward shift.

In response, Ms Sanson said it was clear that Ms Fawcett had to take a hold of her mount.  She said that she did not realise PRISCA was on her outer when she commenced to shift out. Mr Autridge agreed that interference occurred as a result of BARCELONA’S outward shift.

Decision

As Ms Sanson admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee found the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty

Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr Jones produced Ms Sanson’s record over the previous 12 months.  He said that from 148 race rides in that 12 month period, this was her 4th breach of the Careless Riding Rule. Her previous breach occurred on 12 June 2024.

Mr Jones assessed this breach as being in the low range.  He said an aggravating factor was that she won the race. He said her admission of the breach is regarded as a mitigating factor.

Ms Sanson said that she would prefer a fine as opposed to a suspension.  Mr Autridge submitted that Ms Sanson is a “3 kg claiming Apprentice Rider”.

Reasons for Penalty

After consideration of the circumstances of the breach and submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined Ms Sanson’s carelessness to be in the low range. A low range breach of this nature has a starting point of a 5 day suspension.

Ms Sanson has now breached the Careless Riding Rule 4 times in the past 12 months, from 148 race rides (one breach every 35 rides). Her most recent breach occurred on 12 June 2024, and she is currently riding out a deferred (5 day) suspension, which is due to commence on 23 June 2024.  Ms Sanson’s mount won the race.  For these combined aggravating factors, a 2 day uplift is applied.  For her admission of the breach, she receives a one day reduction, resulting in a 6 day suspension.

Conclusion

Ms Sanson’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 6 National Riding Days, commencing on 30 June 2024, up to and including racing on 7 July 2024 (30/06 to 07/06/24 inclusive).