Waikato TR 4 June 2025 – R2 – Craig Grylls

Introduction

Following the running of Race 2, Class A Rider Mr C Grylls admitted a charge of Careless Riding, which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d). The Information alleged that Mr Grylls:

“permitted his mount to shift outwards when not sufficiently clear of BAD EDUCATION which was contacted and unbalanced near the 300 metres.”

Mr Grylls confirmed that he 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, Stipendiary Steward Mr Dooley demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned, namely BRAZEN AFFAIR (C Grylls) and BAD EDUCATION (B Rogerson).

Mr Dooley pointed out that nearing the 300 metre mark after entering the home straight, Mr Grylls was held up and searching for a run.  He angled outwards and forced a run, and in doing so, BRAZEN AFFAIR made contact with BAD EDUCATION, who was checked and unbalanced. Both horses finished the race off strongly, with BRAZEN AFFAIR finishing second and BAD EDUCATION fourth.

In response, Mr Grylls stated that while he was not making any excuses, his horse improved quickly at pace, and he needed a gap to avoid the risk of running into the back of the horse in front of him.

Decision

As Mr Grylls admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee found the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty

Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr Jones produced Mr Grylls’ riding record over the previous 12 months. He  said that from 780 race rides during that period, he has had three previous breaches, the last having occurred on 5 April 2025 and resulted in a 5 day suspension.

Mr Jones considered this breach as being in the low to mid-range.

Mr Grylls sought a deferment to any proposed suspension, until after racing on 7 June 2025. He had nothing further to add concerning penalty.

Reasons for Penalty

After consideration of the circumstances of the breach and submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined Mr Grylls’ carelessness to be in the low to mid-range, which has a penalty starting point of a 6 day suspension.

In assessing penalty, the Adjudicative Committee placed weight on Mr Grylls’ record – this being his fourth breach from 780 race rides in the past 12 months.  This equates to 195 rides per breach, which is assessed as being a good record. The Adjudicative Committee also noted that BAD EDUCATION finished fourth and but for the check, may have finished in a better position.

Accordingly, after considering the above factors and after taking into account Mr Gryll’s admission of the breach, he is afforded a one day reduction from the 6 day starting point.

Conclusion

Mr Grylls’ Licence to ride in races is suspended for 5 National Riding Days, commencing after racing on 7 June 2024, up to and including after racing on 18 June 2025 (inclusive).