Waverley RC 6 March 2025 – R5 – George Rooke

FACTS

Jockey George Rooke defended a careless riding breach in that he permitted his mount ZAPPONE  to shift outwards near the 400 metre mark, crowding and checking MORNING COCOA (Harry Grace) and hampering QACENTINA (Jonathan Riddell).

EVIDENCE

The films of the incident were shown and commented on. Stipendiary Steward Brady Jones stated that on the point of the bend, the three horses concerned were racing in tight quarters, when ZAPPONE moved outwards, putting pressure on the two horses on its outside. Both horses were affected and ground lost. He believed that ZAPPONE was only under a length clear, when he moved out. Contact was made with QACENTINA, who received buffeting from MORNING COCOA.

Jockey G Rooke stated that his mount raced greenly, as it was having its second race. He felt the incident was contributed to, by it happening on the point of the bend. He did state that he was not sufficiently clear and did not see the horse on his immediate outside, but confirmed he was aware of QACENTINA being where he was. He felt he did attempt to straighten, and the other two horses, by moving ever so slightly, contributed to the incident.

The Rider of QACENTINA was called by the Stewards to give evidence. Jonathan Riddell stated that contact was made with his mount and he became unbalanced.

The Rider of MORNING COCOA (Harry Grace) was called by George Rooke to give evidence. He had little to contribute, believing he was starting a run and entitled to be where he was. When asked if contact was made, he said he wasn’t sure.

Jockey Ryan Elliot was also called and he stated as his mount was behind the three horses concerned, he believed no one stopped riding.

SUMMING UP

Stipendiary Steward B Jones stated that ZAPPONE was insufficiently not clear when he moved outwards and impeded the two other horses. He classed the incident as between low and mid range.

Jockey G Rooke believed that the incident happening on the point of the bend contributed and that his mount, by racing greenly, was the meat in the sandwich.

REASON FOR THE DECISION

Both films confirmed Jockey G Rooke was not sufficiently clear when he moved out. Even though the incident happened on the point of the bend, all three horses were entitled to be where they were. Both of the two horses on ZAPPONE’S outside, received varying degrees of interference. The Adjudicative Committee viewed the incident above low range, because two horses were affected.

DECISION

The charge was found proved.

SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY

A penalty as per the Guidelines was asked for, but it was pointed out, that since coming to ride here, George Rooke has had 311 rides and has only had one four day suspension and this, it was felt, should be taken into consideration.

Jockey G Rooke asked for a deferment until after the 15th of March.

REASONS FOR PENALTY

As two horses were affected and their chances affected, it was felt an uplift from the recommended Guideline was appropriate, however it was also felt that because of George Rooke’s very good record, a discount of one day should be accorded. A deferment was agreed to.

CONCLUSION

George Rooke was suspended from race riding for five days, beginning after racing on Saturday 15 March, until completion of racing on Sunday 23 March 2025. Included in this period is one première day.