Wanganui JC 1 June 2024 – R2 – Jonathan Riddell

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 2, the Respondent Class A Rider Mr J Riddell admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that as the Rider of WEWILLROCK, Mr Riddell allowed his mount to shift outwards near the 300 metres, dictating BOLD BELLE (J Chung) and CAITLYNS WISH (C Butler) wider on the track.

The Respondent acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of 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.

Using the available race films, Stipendiary Steward Mr Goodwin demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

He said that approaching the 300 metre mark, Mr Riddell rode in an aggressive manner when he angled out sharply, seeking better ground to the outside of the track. In doing so, he dictated J Chung and C Butler wider on the track.

In response, Mr Riddell conceded he cut the corner and dictated the two named Riders out, however, he said Mr Chung was happy to be out near the rail.

Decision:

As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Goodwin produced Mr Riddell’s riding record, which indicated two previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely December 2023 at Wanganui (4 days suspension) and September 2023 at Hawkes Bay (8 days suspension).

The Respondent has had 358 mounts in the past 12 months.

Mr Goodwin said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low range.

Mr Riddell advised of riding engagements through until Saturday June 8th and sought a deferment to any proposed suspension.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined Mr Riddell’s carelessness to be in the low range and adopted a 5-day suspension as the starting point, in accordance with the NZTR Penalty Guide as of March 2024.

The rear-view video in particular, showed that Mr Riddell was not the required distance clear of BOLD BELLE, when he angled outwards seeking a run on the better part of the track. Mr Chung was not checked in the incident, but subsequently made the decision to come to the inside of Mr Riddell.

The Respondent’s riding record is treated as a mitigating factor and a 1-day reduction was applied to the 5-day starting point for his admission of the breach and record.

After consideration of the above factors, a 4-day suspension was imposed.

Conclusion:

Mr Riddell’s request for a deferment is granted and his Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 4 days, commencing after racing on Saturday June 8th, 2024 and concluding after racing on Saturday June 15th, 2024.