Wanganui JC 29 December 2024 – R3 – Ace Lawson-Carroll

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 3, the Respondent Apprentice Rider A Lawson-Carroll admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that A Lawson-Carroll (MARYROSE) allowed his mount to shift inwards nearing the 100 metres, checking LA DULCIN’EE (L Allpress). 

The Respondent acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach. Apprentice Mentor Kim Clapperton 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.

Although the race films had been thoroughly examined in the earlier protest hearing, Mr Goodwin replayed them in the context of a careless riding charge. The footage showed that leading up to the 200m mark, a gap emerged between Mr Lawson-Carroll’s mount and the fence, into which Mrs Allpress, riding LA DULCIN’EE, began to improve her position. At this point, LA DULCIN’EE’s head and shoulders were well established in the gap when Mr Lawson-Carroll’s horse, MARYROSE, shifted inwards, resulting in contact between the two horses. Mr Goodwin argued that Mr Lawson-Carroll lacked proper control of MARYROSE prior to the incident. He contended that while the incident did not affect the final race standings, Mr Lawson-Carroll could have taken more action to prevent MARYROSE from moving inwards, especially given that Mrs Allpress had legitimate opportunity to be where she was.

In his defense, Mr Lawson-Carroll stated that he didn’t perceive significant movement from MARYROSE and believed he had straightened the horse quickly. Ms Clapperton, confirmed the footage showed Mr Lawson-Carroll’s attempt to correct his mount, but this correction came “a stride too late.”

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Goodwin produced Mr Lawson-Carroll’s riding record, which indicated three previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely:

6/11/24 – 5 days

26/6/24 – 6 days

27/4/24 – 5 days

The Respondent  has had 519 mounts in the past 12 months.

Mr Goodwin said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be a little below midrange.  He has had a large number of rides and this record was not too bad.

Mr Lawson-Carroll advised of riding engagements through until January 4th, 2025 and sought a deferment to any proposed suspension.

Reasons for Penalty:

The available films clearly established that there was contact between the two horses, MARYROSE and LA DULCIN’EE, which occurred as a result of MARYROSE’S inward movement down the home straight. Prior to the incident, Mr Lawson-Carroll was riding with vigour and when his mount ducked in, he pulled hard on the right rein, but his actions were too late to prevent contact. The Adjudicative Committee was of the opinion Mr Lawson-Carroll should have had more control over his mount prior to it moving in, and he reacted too late to his mount’s inward movement. As a result, both horses became unbalanced, and a protest was lodged by the Rider of LA DULCIN’EE, which ultimately proved unsuccessful.

The Adjudicative Committee deemed Mr Lawson-Carroll’s level of carelessness to sit just below midrange, and adopted a starting point of 6 days, in accordance with the NZTR Penalty Guide as of March 2024.

While Mr Lawson-Carroll is an Apprentice Rider and admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee decided to maintain the starting point of 6 days, despite these sometimes mitigating factors. It noted that he is not a Novice Rider, and the charge would have been difficult to defend, given the circumstances. Considering the large number of rides Mr Lawson-Carroll has had in the last 12 months, his riding record is treated as a neutral factor.

After consideration of the above factors, a 6-day suspension was imposed, which includes a premier day at Trentham on January 11th.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted and his Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 6 days, commencing after racing on 4/1/25 and concluding after racing on 11/1/25.