Waikato TR 29 August 2025 – R1 – Gareth Lahoud

Background:

Following the running of Race 1, the ‘Cambridge Equine Hospital 970’ , 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 MIVIRGO which was checked near the 50 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 to the Adjudicative Committee that he understood the Rule and admitted the breach. This was endorsed by Mr Harris.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards identified the incident and horses involved. As the field entered the straight, JUST FAITH was leading, being 2-3 horse width’s away from the fence and under some pressure. MIVIRGO (Elen Nicholas) was positioned behind JUST FAITH, with it’s Rider looking to finish in that legitimate gap, which was available between JUST FAITH and the fence. At the approximate 50 metre mark, the Respondent is seen to strike his mount at which point, he has allowed the horse to move inwards, effectively taking the line of MIVIRGO, who is seen to suffer a check. Stewards contended that JUST FAITH was not sufficiently clear.

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 noted, that being on 21 June 2025 at Tauranga, where Mr Lahoud was suspended for 4 NR days for a low range careless ride. Mr Lahoud has had 61 race day rides over the last twelve months. Stewards contended that the breach sat low range and commented that the Respondent’s record was at best – neutral. The Adjudicative Committee was referred to the current NZTR Penalty Guide. The Respondent did not provide input into penalty, although did ask that that any suspension be deferred to enable him to ride at Te Aroha on 31st August 2025.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Adjudicative Committee was satisfied that the breach represented a low range careless ride. Although the movement was minor, it did cause interference and thus the chances of MIVIRGO, who was finishing into a legitimate gap. The Respondent was not the required distance ahead, when allowing his mount to move.

The current NZTR Penalty Guide provides for a starting point of a 5 day suspension – low range careless. On balance, this was deemed to be the appropriate penalty. Deferment of the suspension was granted, with suspension to take effect from close of racing on 31 August 2025, up to and including 10 September 2025.

The RIB received an email dated 1 September 2025 from Mr Stephen Ralph, asking that Mr Lahoud’s suspension be deferred to close of racing on 6 September 2025. It was, and had been, his intent to engage Mr Lahoud to ride LEROY BROWN at the Auckland RC meeting on 6 September 2025.

In considering this matter, the Adjudicative Committee had regard to the following:

1. Mr Lahoud confirmed that he was aware the Adjudicative Committee was asked to reconsider the date to which the suspension was to commence.
2. At the time of the hearing, he was unaware it was the intent of Mr Ralph to start the horse at Ellerslie and had he known, he would have accepted the offer to ride the horse (noting he had ridden the horse in a recent trial and race).
3. The Auckland Racing Club meeting falls within the 10 day period from 29 August 2025.
4. Mr Lahoud confirmed that subsequent to the hearing, he has not committed to any race day rides from 10 September 2025 to 13 September 2025 – those days which would form part of any variation of suspension, but are outside the initial suspension period.

Based on the foregoing, the Adjudicative Committee determined it appropriate to vary penalty to the extent that same will effect from close of racing on 6 September 2025, up to and including 13 September 2025.

Conclusion:

Mr Lahoud’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for 5 National Riding Days, from the close of racing on 6 September 2025, up to and including 13 September 2025.