Waikato TR 30 August 2023 – R5 – Donovan Cooper
ID: RIB26975
Animal Name:
GUNNAR
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
30/08/2023
Race Club:
Cambridge Jockey Club
Race Location:
Cambridge Jockey Club - 40 Racecourse Road, Cambridge, 4210
Race Number:
R5
Hearing Date:
30/08/2023
Hearing Location:
Cambridge
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Donovan Cooper is suspended for 4 days
EVIDENCE:
Following the running of Race 5, the “Horse Transport Services 1300”, Mr Simpson presented an Information charging Mr Cooper with careless riding in breach of Rule 638(1)(d), in that he permitted his mount “GUNNAR” to shift inwards when insufficiently clear of “SIDE EYE”, ridden by Ms J Allen, causing that horse to be checked.
Mr Cooper admitted the breach of the Rule.
Mrs Selvakumaran identified, from the race films, the manner of careless riding by Mr Cooper. About 1200 metres from the finish, or 100 metres after the start, “GUNNAR” ridden by Mr Cooper, shifted in from about 3 horse widths out, when no more than 1 length, or even ¾ length ahead of “SIDE EYE”, ridden by Apprentice Jockey Ms J Allen. As a result, Ms Allen had to firmly check her mount and this in turn inconvenienced “UP ‘N’ GONE” (Mr C Grylls) which was placed in restricted room.
Mr Harris observed that whilst the inaction of Mr Cooper in not correcting the movement of his mount was careless, it may not have happened had Apprentice Jockey Ms J Allen called out to him – but he accepts that there is no obligation in a Rider to “call out”. The breach of the Rule was due to inexperience and minor misjudgment.
DECISION:
As the breach was admitted, it was deemed proved.
SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:
Mr Simpson expressed the view that the carelessness was of the “low range”. Mr Cooper is a young Apprentice having had 57 rides with no previous breaches of any of the Rules.
Mr Harris said that Mr Cooper was a promising Apprentice, with 3 winning rides this 2023-24 season. He is a “good learner” and his error in this case was due to inexperience. He has committed engagements up until 9 September 2023 at Hastings.
REASONS FOR PENALTY:
From the starting point recommended in the Penalty Guide of a suspension of 5 days, the Adjudicative Committee affords Mr Cooper a one day reduction to reflect his unblemished record, and his being a young Apprentice.
CONCLUSION:
Accordingly, Mr Cooper’s Licence to ride is suspended for 4 National Riding Days, to commence after the conclusion of racing on 9 September 2023 and to finish after the conclusion of racing on 15 September 2023.
Decision Date: 30/08/2023
Publish Date: 31/08/2023