Wanganui JC 27 April 2025 – R9 – George Rooke

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 9, the Respondent Class A Rider Mr G Rooke, admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d). The Information alleged that he dictated his mount BEDTIME STORY inwards when not sufficiently clear of FRANCEE, which was crowded and checked near the 1400 metres.

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 available race films, Trainee Stipendiary Steward Ms K Jillings demonstrated that, approaching the first bend soon after the start, Mr Rooke shifted inwards from a position approximately five off the fence. This movement crowded and checked Mr J Doyle’s mount, FRANCEE. Mr Rooke acknowledged on review that he had tightened Mr Doyle, explaining that while he had walked the Wanganui course beforehand, he did not anticipate how quickly the track would run.

Decision:

As Mr Rooke admitted the breach, it was deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Ms Selvakumaran  produced Mr Rooke’s riding record, which indicated three previous breaches from 416  rides since he commenced race riding in New Zealand in October 2024.  These are as follows:

30/11/24   4 days (low-range)

6/3/25      5 days  (low/mid-range)

19/4/25    7 days  (mid-range)

Ms Selvakumaran said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low-range.

Mr Rooke sought clarification on the application of another suspension, as he was already due to begin a suspension from a previous charge. It was explained that any suspension imposed today would commence after the current one ended, ie it would follow on.

Reasons for Penalty

The Adjudicative Committee agreed with the Stewards’ assessment that Mr Rooke’s carelessness was at the low end of the scale.

Mr Rooke showed professionalism by walking the course prior to riding. The bend from that particular start position is known to be challenging. Mr Rooke’s record of three breaches from 416 rides since October 2024 (this being his 4th) was assessed as neutral, given the volume of rides. No significant aggravating factors were present to increase the penalty beyond the starting point.

Conclusion:

In accordance with the Thoroughbred Penalty Guidelines, a 5-day suspension is the standard starting point for a low-range careless riding breach. After considering all relevant circumstances – the level of carelessness, absence of aggravating features, and his overall riding record the Adjudicative Committee determined that the starting point was appropriate. Therefore, a 5-day suspension is imposed.

Mr Rooke’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 5 days, commencing after racing on Friday May 9th 2025 and concluding after racing on Saturday May 17th, 2025.