Wanganui JC 9 February 2024 – R5 – Tony Allan

Following the running of Race 5, the Respondent, Mr Tony Allan, defended a charge, filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d), alleging that he allowed his mount PERFECT POSY to shift out near the 1000m, dictating WAL (J Riddell) outward into the line of THE SCUNNER (L Sutherland), which was checked.

The Respondent acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed he did not admit the breach.

Ms Algar had Stipendiary Steward Neil Goodwin show films of the incident and explain what happened.  After the start, Mr Allan could be seen coming across towards the rail from a mid-field starting position. He never got to the running rail due to Mr Doyle being on the rail, but settled in the one-off position. Mr Allan then proceeded to move outwards onto Mr Riddell, who tried to hold his line. There was strong contact between these 2 runners, with Mr Riddell dictated out into the line of Ms Sutherland, who was travelling fiercely in behind. Ms Sutherland attempted to ease back, but clipped a heel and blundered.

Both Ms Sutherland and Mr Riddell appeared as witnesses for the Stewards. Ms Sutherland said there was movement in front of her when the inside horse moved outwards. This resulted in her clipping a heel, however she did mention that her horse was racing ungenerously at the time.

Mr Riddell said Mr Allan dictated him off his line of running, which forced him into the line of Ms Sutherland.

Mr Allan  defended the charge on the basis that he was entitled to his line of running and he was merely holding his position, a position that Mr Riddell wanted.

REASONS FOR DECISION

The Adjudicative Committee carefully considered all submissions and revisited the films, which showed the incident clearly. Mr Allan initially intended to move towards the rail, but positioned himself behind Ms Hercock upon receiving a call from Mr Doyle, who was positioned on the rail. The footage unmistakably depicted Mr Allan subsequently shifting outward onto Mr Riddell, resulting in jostling between the two runners for several strides as Mr Riddell endeavoured to maintain his line. Notably, there was no indication that any other runner played a role in the incident. The account of the two witnesses aligned with the video findings.

DECISION

Consequently, the Adjudicative Committee concluded that the breach was proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY

Ms Algar said the Stewards placed the breach in the mid-range and advised Mr Allan had a clear record for the last 12 months.

Mr Allan declined to make any penalty submissions and said any suspension could begin immediately.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

After thorough consideration of all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee concluded that Mr Allan’s carelessness fell within the mid-range category. Despite his outward movement not being excessive, the interference to Mr Riddell persisted for a significant duration, resulting in Ms Sutherland experiencing a severe check. It is acknowledged that her mount may have exacerbated the situation by over racing, however, had Mr Allan maintained his running line, the incident could have been avoided. In accordance with the NZTR Penalty Guide as of February 2023, a 7-day suspension was adopted as a starting point.

The Respondent’s riding record is treated as  a mitigating factor and a 1-day reduction was applied to the 7-day starting point.

CONCLUSION

Mr Allan’s Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 6 days commencing after racing today, Friday 9 February 2024, up to and concluding after racing on Sunday 18 February 2024.