Waverley RC 11 September 2022 – R6 – Kate Hercock

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 6 the Respondent admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d). Details are as follows:

” in that K Hercock (Here’s Johnny) allowed her mount to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of Susie Jane (Mahipal Singh) which clipped a hell and blundered near the 800m”

The Respondent acknowledged that she understood the Rule and admitted the breach.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides:

” A rider shall not ride in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless”

Using available film, Stipendiary Stewards demonstrated the incident and identified the horses involved. Near the 800 metre mark HERE’S JOHNNY was positioned 2-3 horses widths from the fence with SUSIE JANE to it’s outside. Ms Hercock looks to improve her position by angling out. When moving she is insufficiently clear of SUSIE JANE. She essentially takes the line of SUSIE JANE who is seen to clip heels. It was fortunate that Mr Singh was not dislodged from his mount. The Respondent when asked for comment, noted that the movement was not ‘sharp’ however acknowledged an error in judgement.

Decision:

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

Submissions for Penalty:

Stipendiary Steward Mr Neil Goodwin outlined Ms Hercock’s riding record which indicates 3 previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule within the last 12 months:

31/12/2021 4 days low

2/3/2022    4 days low

19/3/2022   4 weeks fall

It was conveyed that Ms Hercock is a busy Rider having had 360 mounts for the year ending 31st July 2022 and 57 in the season to date. It is noted that there had been no breach of this type since March 2022. Stewards considered the level of carelessness to be low to mid range. The Respondent did not offer specific comment in respect of penalty, although sought deferment of any suspension to satisfy engagements up to and including 16th September 2022.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined the carelessness to sit slightly below mid range with a 6 day suspension adopted as a starting point. This is in line with the current NZTR Penalty Guide.  The Adjudicative Committee is satisfied that the actions of the Respondent were the cause of the incident. The starting point of 6 days suspension was reduced by 1 day to reflect the recent riding record along with admission of the breach.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for deferment is granted with her licence to ride in races suspended for 5 National Riding Days, from the completion of racing on 16th September 2022 up to and including 23rd September 2022.