Waikato TR 28 October 2024 – R2 – Ngakau Hailey

Background:

Following the running of Race 2, the ‘All the [email protected] 2400’, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d). Details are as follows:

‘permitted his mount ‘Kawhia’ to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of ‘JACK IN THE BOX’, which was contacted and forced inwards into the line of ‘SPRING QUEEN’, which was checked near the 1900 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 (assisted by Apprentice Jockey Mentor Mr Harris) confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee that he understood the Rule and admitted the breach.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards identified the incident and horses involved.  After leaving the gates and heading for the post on the 1st occasion, Mr Hailey was positioned some 3 horse widths from the fence, with JACK IN THE BOX (Ms Jessica Allen) to his inside and slightly forward. To their inside and positioned against the fence, was SPRING QUEEN (Mr Sam Weatherley).  The Respondent’s mount is seen to shift in, squeezing the mount of Ms Allen, which creates pressure on the mount of Mr Weatherley, which is seen to suffer a significant check. Mr Hailey did attempt to relieve the pressure, but by that time, it was too late. By way of explanation, Mr Hailey advised that initially his horse looked to move in of its own accord, that he was not aware, nor heard Mr Weatherley. Mr Harris commented that the incident reflected a degree of inexperience, as he had allowed his horse to have it’s head facing inward.

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 last twelve months. There was one previous charge on 15th June 2024, where Mr Hailey was suspended for 4 weeks for careless riding resulting in a fall. Mr Hailey is a relatively inexperienced Apprentice, having had 300 rides within the 12-month period.

Stewards contended that the breach was low to mid-range and referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current NZTR Penalty Guide. Mr Hailey did not offer specific comment, although sought deferment of any suspension imposed, to satisfy riding engagements on 7 November 2024.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Adjudicative Committee was satisfied that the breach represented a mid-range careless ride.

Film identified that the Respondent was not in a position to cross or follow Ms Allen. Mr Hailey was clear and concise in his comments, however this did not mitigate his error. The current NZTR Penalty Guide provides for a starting point of a 7-day suspension in circumstance of a mid-range careless ride. This was deemed an appropriate starting point. A 1-day reduction was applied to reflect ready admission. Deferment of the suspension was granted.

Conclusion:

Mr Hailey’s Licence to ride in Races is suspended for 6 National Riding Days, from the close of racing on 7 November 2024, up to and including 16 November 2024.