Waikato TR 2 May 2026 – R3 – Sam McNab

Evidence:

Following Race 3, Apprentice Rider Mr S McNab (OPRESSOR), admitted a charge of careless riding in that he permitted his mount to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of ATLANTA GOLD, which was checked near the 300 metres.

At the commencement of the hearing, Mr McNab confirmed his admission of the breach. He was supported at the hearing by Class A Rider Mr M McNab.

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, Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr A Dooley demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

Mr Dooley said that as the field rounded the home turn into the straight, OPRESSOR was racing in a trailing position with ATLANTA GOLD (E Nicholas) back and on its inner. Nearing the 300 metres, Mr McNab shifted his mount off the fence to a one-off position. He then directed his mount inwards into the running line of ATLANTA GOLD. As a result, that horse was checked and Ms Nicholas had to take a strong hold. Mr Dooley said that when shifting inwards, OPRESSOR was never the required distance clear of ATLANTA GOLD.

In response, Mr McNab said that his mount made the final bend into the straight awkwardly and he felt that he was sufficiently clear of ATLANTA GOLD when shifting in. He had nothing further to add.

Decision:

As the Respondent, Mr McNab, admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Deputy Chief Steward Mr Jones advised that Mr McNab has had 393 rides in the past 12 months. This is his first full season of race riding. He said that this is Mr McNab’s fourth breach of the Careless Riding Rule and on that basis, his record is treated as a neutral factor.

Mr Jones submitted that Mr McNab can be given credit for his prompt admission of the breach, and he added that the breach is assessed as being in the low to mid-range, which has a penalty starting point of a 6-day suspension.

Mr McNab sought a deferment to any proposed suspension, until after racing on 6 May 2026.

Reasons for Penalty:

After reviewing all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined that Mr McNab’s level of carelessness was in low to mid-range, leading to a starting point of a 6-day suspension.

The available footage showed that near the 350 metres, Mr McNab shifted off the rail and appeared as though he was intending to follow Ms S Collett’s mount into the race, but it started to weaken, so he elected to go back down onto the rail. In doing so, he has checked ATLANTA GOLD.

This is Mr McNab’s fourth breach of the Rule. His record is considered a neutral factor; however, it is noted that, with over 390 rides in the past twelve months, he has been a very active Rider during his first year. He receives one day’s credit for admitting the breach.

After considering all the above factors, a 5-day suspension is imposed.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted and his Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 5 days, commencing after racing on 6 May 2026 and concluding after racing on 14 May 2026.