Wanganui JC 30 November 2024 – R6 – Harry Grace

Background:

Following the running of Race 6, the Listed ‘The O’Learys Fillies Stakes’, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d). Details are as follows:

‘in that he permitted his mount RENOVATIONS to shift inwards dictating DEBBI HARRI inwards onto VESPHIRE resulting in both having been tightened near the 900 metres’.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides:

(1) A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be:

(d) careless.

The Respondent confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee that he understood the Rule and admitted the breach.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards identified the incident and horses involved.  At the 900 metre mark, Mr Grace had his mount some 4-5 horse widths away from the fence. To his inside were DEBBI HARRI (Ms Tegan Newman) and VESPHIRE (Ms Leah Hemi). Mr Grace looks to improve and cross. When initially moving, he does cause tightening to the mount of Ms Newman.  He continues to cross, with Ms Newman unable to keep her mount off heels. This in turn results in tightening to the mount of Ms Hemi, with her horse making contact with the running rail. Although not checked, both horses were inconvenienced by the incident. Mr Grace did agree with the summation of Stewards, although he did add that in crossing, he was trying to take advantage of the fact that the mount of Ms Newman was over racing slightly and that she was trying to restrain her mount. He also noted that there was no contact made.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stewards outlined the Respondent’s record, as it relates to any breach of this particular Rule within the last twelve months.  There were 3 previous breaches noted namely:

2/6/24     Sandown – 10 meetings (low end)

27/7/24   Warrnambool – 10 days (low-mid)

2/11/24    Trentham – 5 days (low-mid)

The Respondent has had approximately 500 rides over the past 12 months. Mr Grace has been riding in New Zealand since September 28th 2024 and is a well regarded, busy Rider. Stewards contended that the breach sat below mid range and referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current NZTR Penalty Guide. Mr Grace sought that any suspension imposed, be deferred to satisfy riding engagements at Trentham on 7th December 2024.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Adjudicative Committee was satisfied that the breach represented a low-range careless ride. Film identified that the Respondent did allow his mount to move in, when insufficiently clear of the horses to his inside.  The interference, albeit minor, was caused by the actions of the Respondent. The current NZTR Penalty Guide provides for a starting point of a 5-day suspension in circumstance of a low-range careless ride. This was deemed an appropriate starting point. A 1-day uplift was applied to reflect Race status. Record was deemed to be neutral.  A 6 day suspension was considered appropriate. The Penalty Guide does provide for, in addition to any suspension, imposition of a fine in a Black Type Race. RENOVATIONS finished 7th, with 50% of the Jockey’s share of Stake being $30. This was not imposed. Deferment was granted.

Conclusion:

Mr Grace’s Licence to ride in Races is suspended for 6 National Riding Days, from the close of racing on 7th December 2024, up to and including 15th December 2024.