Wanganui JC 21 February 2025 – R6 – Lily Sutherland

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 6, Apprentice Rider Ms L Sutherland, admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that she allowed her mount ITOJE to shift out, checking TREAT YOURSELF over the concluding stages.

Ms Sutherland acknowledged she understood the Rule and confirmed her admission of the breach. Senior Rider Ms Hudson was present to assist.

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 Davidson demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned. He said that Ms Sutherland was riding vigorously with the whip in her left hand, when she allowed her mount to move outwards, causing a check to Ms Hercock’s mount. The incident unfolded just prior to the finish post.

When asked for a response, neither Ms Sutherland nor Ms Hudson had anything to say.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Goodwin produced Ms Sutherland’s riding record, which indicated 3 previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely 7/9/24 – 7 days, 5/7/24 – 4 days, 20/4/24 – 5 days.

Ms Sutherland has had 737 rides in the past 12 months and 363 rides since her last careless riding charge. Stewards described this as a very good record.

Mr Goodwin assessed the level of carelessness to be below midrange. ITOJE shifted out under pressure and it was out of character for Ms Sutherland to ride carelessly. It was the opinion of the Stewards that no runner had its chances affected by the interference. Ms Hudson said Ms Sutherland was just trying too hard.

The Respondent advised of riding engagements through until March 2nd and sought a deferment to any proposed suspension.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined Ms Sutherland’s carelessness to be in the low to mid range. ITOJE ran outwards just before the finish, and Ms Sutherland’s failure to attempt to straighten, placed the incident above the low end of carelessness. Ms Hercock (TREAT YOURSELF) had to check, while wider out, Mr Grace, was also affected but to a lesser degree.

A 6-day suspension was adopted as the starting point, in accordance with the NZTR Penalty Guide as of February 2025. Mitigating factors considered included Ms Sutherland’s status as a busy Apprentice Rider who rides throughout the country, her good record relative to the number of rides she undertakes, and the fact she has had 363 rides since her last careless riding charge. Ms Sutherland readily admitted the breach, without attempting to shift blame.

There were no aggravating factors to consider.

Based on the mitigating factors, a 1-day reduction was applied and a 5-day suspension was imposed.

Conclusion:

Ms Sutherland’s request for a deferment is granted and her Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 5 days, commencing after racing on March 2nd 2025 and concluding after racing on March 9th 2025.