Waverley RC 20 October 2024 – R4 – Craig Grylls

Background:

Following the running of Race 4, the ‘The Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series Maiden 1650’ , an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 638(1)(d). Details are as follows:

‘in that he allowed his mount LEICA ACE’ to shift inwards at the 1400 metres when not sufficiently clear of ZENAZED, which had to be checked’.

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. LEICA ACE drew the outside gate in the race. As the field approached the first turn, Mr Grylls looked to cross and lead. In doing so, he was insufficiently clear of ZENAZED (Ms L Sutherland) who, as described by Stewards, suffered a reasonable check, losing ground. In providing comment, Mr Grylls agreed with interpretation and added that it was the first occasion that the horse had raced without blinkers and on reaching the front, looked to ease up.  He was not seeking to excuse his actions, but added he had misjudged the situation.

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 was only 1 noted, that being on 11 November 2023 at the Canterbury JC, where Mr Grylls was suspended for 9 NR days (in addition to a fine) for careless riding, following the New Zealand 2000 Guineas. In the subsequent period, he has had 719 mounts, without a careless riding charge.

Stewards contended that the breach was low to mid range and referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current NZTR Penalty Guide. Mr Grylls did not offer comment, beyond seeking deferment of any suspension to satisfy riding commitments on 28 October 2024.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Adjudicative Committee was satisfied that the breach represented a low to mid range careless ride. Film identified that the Respondent was not sufficiently clear when looking to cross from a wide gate, with his actions causing the check to ZENAZED, who lost ground as a result. The current NZTR Penalty Guide provides for a starting point of a 5 day suspension – low range careless and a 7 day suspension – mid range careless. A 6 day suspension was adopted as a starting point, with a 1 day reduction applied, to recognise Mr Grylls’ very good record. Deferment of the suspension was granted.

Conclusion:

Mr Grylls’ Licence to ride in races is suspended for 5 National Riding Days, from the close of racing on 28 October 2024, up to and including 6 November 2024.