Waverley RC 19 March 2025 – R7 – Chris Dell

Background:

Following the running of Race 7, the ‘CD Trainers Golf Tournament 28th March Maiden 1650’, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 636(1)(d). Details are as follows:

‘failed to ride his mount GUZZLER fully to the finish and was beaten for fifth placing’.

Rule 636(1)(d) provides:

‘A person … being the Rider of a horse in a Race, must ride his horse out to the end of the Race if there is a reasonable chance of it running into a position for which there is prizemoney to be awarded or a dividend to be declared;’

Mr Dell confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee that he understood the Rule and admitted the breach.

Evidence:

Using available film, Stewards identified the horse and incident. GUZZLER finished 6th in the event, with the margin between this horse and the 5th placed horse – DARK AND DUSTY (Ms Amber Riddell) being a nose. Approaching the final 50 metres of the race, GUZZLER is positioned away from the fence in 5th place.  Approximately 3-5 strides from the finish, Mr Dell is seen to ‘stop’ riding.  As a result, DARK AND DUSTY gains an advantage over the Respondent’s mount on the line. Stake money for 5th place was $625. Stake money earned by the Respondent’s mount was $375. By way of explanation, Mr Dell noted his mount is a 5 year gelding, having his second start in his campaign and that he had come to the end of his run.

Decision:

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

Submissions as to Penalty:

Stewards referred the Adjudicative Committee to the NZTR Penalty Guide.

Reasons for Penalty:

Upon consideration, the Adjudicative Committee was satisfied that the ride of the Respondent amounted to a breach of the Rule, ie in essence, the Rider did not ride his horse out to the end of the race where there was a reasonable chance of the horse running into a higher placing.  The Respondent’s record is clear as it relates to a breach of this Rule. The Penalty Guide provides for starting point of a fine of $300 in circumstance where such starting point relates to the potential placing deemed to have been lost as a result of the breach ie: in this circumstance, 5th placing.  The Adjudicative Committee found no compelling reason to deviate from this.

Conclusion:

Jockey Chris Dell is fined $300.