Waimate RC 12 June 2022 – R4 – Megan Taylor

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Following the running of Race 4, the Dianne Goodeve Maiden 1600m, an Information was filed by Stipendiary Steward, Mr M Davidson, against Ms Megan Taylor, alleging careless riding, in that she permitted her mount, ANDREA, to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of DUSHKU which was checked near the 900 metre mark.

Rule 638(1)(d) reads as follows;

“(1) A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be:

    (d) careless”

Ms Taylor had indicated on the Information that this breach of the Rules was admitted, which she confirmed at the hearing. Ms Taylor also acknowledged that she understood the charge and the Rule it was brought under. Mr D Walsh, NZTR Apprentice Jockey Mentor, assisted Ms Taylor at the hearing.

SUBMISSIONS:

Mr Davidson, with the assistance of Mr Oatham, used the race films to show Ms Taylor approaching the 900 metre mark. Ms Taylor was following Ms Williams’ mount and Mr Asano’s mount, DUSHKU, was improving on her inside. Mr Oatham outlined that Ms Taylor’s mount started to run quite keenly and Ms Taylor has then shifted inwards initially not causing any interference until going further where Mr Asano becomes crowded and has to check his mount. Mr Oatham outlined at the point where Ms Taylor’s mount was racing keenly she should have shifted outwards rather than inwards.

Ms Taylor agreed that it was clear. Mr Walsh said Ms Taylor was trying to take a hold of her horse but that once the horse had it’s head inside the horse infant quarters there is only one place to go.

REASON FOR DECISION:

As Ms Taylor had admitted the breach, the charge was found to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY:

Mr Davidson submitted that Ms Taylor is riding very well and has had 86 rides in the last 12 months, 20 of those rides since April. Mr Davidson stated her record showed one prior breach on 2 October 2021 at Riccarton where she received a suspension of six days. Mr Davidson submitted that this breach was mid to low range. Mr Davidson submitted that the check itself was ‘nasty’, however, the severity was tempered when considering the mitigating factor that Ms Taylor’s mount was racing keenly.

In reference to the Penalty Guide Mr Davidson submitted that a starting point of a six day suspension was appropriate. Mr Davidson stated that Ms Taylor’s frank admission of the breach as a mitigating factor.

Mr Walsh outlined that Ms Taylor was reasonably inexperienced and had a good record.

Ms Taylor requested a deferment of penalty until after 16 June at Riccarton where she had riding commitments.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

It is agreed that this breach is low to mid range, accordingly the starting point adopted is a 6 day suspension. The mitigating factors are the way Ms Taylor’s mount was running and her good record. A discount of 1 day is appropriate to reflect these factors.

A 5 day suspension is the appropriate penalty in this case.

Ms Taylor’s application for a deferment of penalty until after racing at Riccarton on 16 June 2022 was granted.

PENALTY:

Ms Taylor is suspended for 5 days from the end of racing on 16 June 2022 up to and including 24 June 2022.