Wairarapa RC 6 February 2026 – R8 – Rihaan Goyaram

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 8, the “ENTAIN/NZB INSURANCE PEARL SERIES” 1600 metres, Mr Goodwin presented an Information charging Mr Goyaram, the Rider of SMALL TOWN GIRL (trained by Mr R Manning), with careless riding, in breach of Rule 638(1)(d).

It was alleged that Mr Goyaram allowed his mount to shift outwards near the 315 metres mark, when not clear of TEARS OF VICTORY, ridden by Mr B Queiroz, which was checked, and SOL DE OTONO was also hampered and unbalanced.

Mr Goyaram did not admit a breach of the Careless Riding Rule, and the hearing proceeded on a defended basis.

Evidence was presented, first, as to the facts, from the head and side on race films, from Mr Queiroz, and Mr Goyaram, as to events at the relevant mark.  Secondly, opinion evidence as to whether the facts established careless riding, given by Ms Selvakumaran, Mr Goodwin and Mr Manning.

The race films as interpreted by Ms Selvakumaran depicted SMALL TIME GIRL running on the fence as the field entered the home straight.  It angled outwards to take advantage of a gap that existed.  TEARS OF VICTORY was on its outside and not more than half a length ahead of SMALL TIME GIRL.  In angling his mount outwards, Mr Goyaram dictated Mr Queiroz outwards to avoid contact and in doing so, had to hamper SOL DE OTONO on its outer.

Mr Manning’s opinion was that there was “tight competitive riding” and that it was the outside horse SOL DE OTONO that lay inwards to “cause most of the damage” and nothing Mr Goyaram did was careless as he was entitled to aim for the gap off the fence.

Mr Goodwin’s and Ms Selvakumaran’s opinions did not agree and that there was no movement from the outside horse, before the careless riding of Mr Goyaram in angling out when insufficiently clear, had occurred.

The evidence of Mr Queiroz as to the actual facts was clear.  He said that near the 300 metre mark, his mount was established in the gap and that there was no “interference from the inside horse coming too fast”.  He was not tested in any cross examination.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

The Adjudicative Committee accepted the facts as Mr Queiroz stated, which were consistent with those depicted in the race films.  Mr Goyaram’s mount was not the required distance ahead when he angled it out, and also at the lower end of carelessness, nevertheless was a breach of the Rule.  The Adjudicative Committee did not accept the opinion of Mr Manning that his Apprentice was not guilty of careless riding.

DECISION:

Accordingly, the Adjudicative Committee found the charge of careless riding to be established.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Goodwin advised that Mr Goyaram had had 364 rides in the past 12 months, with 3 careless riding charges (on 7 May, 23 August and 7 October 2025), with low end breaches.  Mr Manning advised of his Apprentice’s riding commitments up to 14 February 2026.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee accepts that the degree of this careless riding fell into the low end range.  From a starting point of a 5 day suspension, a discount of 1 day might have been granted, but for the fact that Mr Goyaram defended the charge (as he was entitled to do), so could not avail himself of any mitigation for remorse.

CONCLUSION:

Accordingly, Mr Goyaram’s Licence to ride is suspended for 5 National Riding Days, to commence at the end of racing on 14 February 2026 and to finish at the end of racing on 22 February 2026.