Wanganui JC 24 February 2022 – R2 – Mereana Hudson

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 2 the Respondent Mereana Hudson admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d). The Information alleged that as the Rider of DAISY DAISY:

“M Hudson permitted her mount DAISY DAISY to shift in when insufficiently clear of LINCOLN VALLEY and BUSTER’S HABIT which were tightened near the 1000m”.

The Respondent acknowledged she understood the Rule  and confirmed her 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 films Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr Neil Goodwin demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

Approximately 200 metres after the start of the race ie 1000 metre mark DAISY DAISY was some 6-7 horse widths away from the fence. At this point Ms Hudson sought to cross to the rail. When doing so she was insufficiently clear of BUSTER’S HABIT (K Hercock) and LINCOLN VALLEY  (J Riddell).

BUSTER’S HABIT was positioned  against the fence and LINCOLN VALLEY one off. The Respondent’s actions caused interference to both horses requiring Jockeys to check off heels and losing 2-3 lengths.

In response, the Respondent stated the incident was simply an error of judgement.

Decision:

As the Respondent admitted the breach the Adjudicative Committee find the breach proved.

Submission for Penalty:

Stipendiary Stewards produced the Respondent’s riding record which indicated previous breaches under this Rule within the last 12 months namely:

Woodville 9/9/2021 5 days suspension

Hawkes Bay 1/5/2021 5 days suspension

The Respondent has had 248 mounts in the last twelve months.

Stipendiary Steward Mr Neil Goodwin stated they assessed the carelessness  to sit in the low to mid range.

Ms Hudson advised of riding commitments at the Otaki meeting on 26th February 2022.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering submissions the Adjudicative Committee determined the Respondent’s carelessness to be in the low to mid range. NZTR Guidelines provide for a starting point of 5 days suspension in respect of low range and 7 for mid range.

Upon considering the level of carelessness, the Respondent’s admission of the breach and her recent riding record, a 6 day suspension was imposed.

Conclusion – Penalty:

Ms Hudson’s licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 6 National Riding Days commencing at the conclusion of racing on 26th February 2022 up to and including racing on the 10th March 2022.