Waimate RC 12 June 2022 – R8 – Wesley Papier

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Following the running of Race 8, the Bob Goodie Memorial 1200m, an Information was filed by Stipendiary Steward, Mr M Davidson, against Mr Papier, alleging careless riding, in that he permitted his mount, HE’S TUNZA GRUNT, to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of SENTIENT, ridden by Mr Atchamah, 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”

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

SUBMISSIONS:

Mr Davidson, with the assistance of Mr Oatham, used the race films to show Mr Papier approaching the 900 metre mark. Mr Papier allows his mount to shift inwards for quite some distance forcing SENTIENT inwards and onto the heels of another horse. The Stewards said that SENTIENT was placed into an awkward position and could have easily clipped the heels of the horse in front. SENTIENT then had to check and lost ground.

Mr Papier agreed that it was clear and made no further comment. Mr Walsh said it is clear but also pointed to the horse on the inside and it’s movement outwards. He said the initial movement was no doubt from Mr Papier’s horse but there was also movement from the inside horse outwards as well which did not help.

REASON FOR DECISION:

As Mr Papier had admitted the breach, the charge was found to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY:

Mr Davidson stated his record showed one prior breach on 24 June 2021 where he received a suspension of four days. Mr Davidson said Mr Papier had some time off and resumed in April, Mr Papier has had 18 rides since then.

Mr Davidson submitted that this breach was at least mid range due to the position Mr Atchamah was put in across the heels of another horse.

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

Mr Walsh outlined that it was mid to low range. He pointed to the movement from the other horse and that it was not 100% Mr Papier’s horse which caused the movement. Mr Walsh said Mr Papier has a good record.

Mr Papier requested a deferment of penalty until after 16 June at Riccarton where he had riding commitments.

REASON FOR PENALTY:

This breach is appropriately considered mid range, one factor in assessing this is the position that the affected runner was placed in and also the distance that Mr Papier’s mount shifted in. Accordingly the starting point adopted is a 7 day suspension. The mitigating factors are Mr Papier’s frank admission of the breach and his good record. A discount of 1 day is appropriate to reflect these factors.

A 6 day suspension is the appropriate penalty in this case.

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

PENALTY:

Mr Papier is suspended for 6 days from the end of racing on 16 June 2022 up to and including 25 June 2022.