Wairoa RC 20 February 2022 – R4 – Leah Hemi

Summary of Facts

Using the available films side on and head on Mr Goodwin indicated the incident when Miss Hemi near the 1100 metre mark, after looking, came across and moved onto Miss Hercock’s mount RIP WHEELER’S rightful line of running. She was, he believed, just over a length clear when she came across forcing Miss Hercock to take a strong hold. He believed that Miss Hercock’s mount was travelling a little greenly. It was having its first start and was entitled to be where it was.

Miss Hemi also felt that Miss Hercock’s mount was travelling a little greenly but she had committed an error of judgement in coming across when not sufficiently clear. She believed the incident to be at the lower end of the scale.

Reason for Decision.

As the charge was admitted and Miss Hemi was not the prescribed distance clear when moving across, it was deemed proved.

Submissions on Penalty

Mr Goodwin viewed the incident in the mid to low range. The greenness of Miss Hercock’s mount was, he believed, a small contributing factor in the incident. He informed the Adjudicative Committee that Miss Hemi’s two previous breaches of this Rule were both at at Hawkes Bay 2/10/21 and 16/10/21 – both classed in the low range for which she received a 4 day and 7 day suspension respectively.

Miss Hemi had nothing to add.

Reasons for Penalty

The Adjudicative Committee viewed the incident to be in the low range. The greenness of Miss Hercock’s mount was a slight contributing factor and, coupled with her admittance of the breach, a discount of one day was accorded.

Conclusion

Jockey Leah Hemi’s  license to ride was suspended from after racing on 2/3/22 until completion of racing 9/3/022, 4 days.