Waverley RC 9 October 2024 – R6 – Bailey Rogerson

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 6, the Respondent Apprentice Rider Ms B Rogerson admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that she permitted her mount MISS BEE to shift outwards, contacting TOUCH O’ PARADISE at the 250 metres.

The Respondent acknowledged she understood the Rule and confirmed her admission of the breach. Apprentice Mentor Ms K Clapperton was present to assist.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides: A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.

Stipendiary Steward Mr Goodwin, utilising the available race films, demonstrated the incident, identifying the horses and Riders involved. Around the 400-metre mark, Ms Rogerson was held up behind other runners. She angled out sharply onto Toni Davies’ mount, causing it to become unbalanced. MADAM PELE, positioned outside of Ms Davies, was also affected. Mr Goodwin stated that Ms Rogerson should have exercised more patience, while waiting for a clear run.

In response, both Ms Rogerson and Ms Clapperton acknowledged that “the films speak for themselves.” Ms Rogerson added that she did not intend to shift out with such force.

Decision:

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

Penalty Submission:

Mr Goodwin presented Ms Rogerson’s riding record, showing two previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the past 12 months (23 February 2024 – 4-day suspension, 2 January 2024 – 5-day suspension). Over the last year, she has had 359 rides. The Stewards assessed the level of carelessness as slightly above mid-range.

Ms Rogerson requested a deferment of any suspension, noting her riding engagements until 16 October 2024. She also stated that she does not typically ride in such a manner.

Reasons for Penalty:

Ms Rogerson forced a gap where none existed, making significant contact with TOUCH O’PARADISE, unbalancing that horse and forcing it wider on the track. MADAM PELE was also impacted, being positioned to the outside of TOUCH O’PARADISE. While easing other horses wider can occur safely, it is typically done more gradually. Ms Rogerson’s actions compromised safety of the two Riders and horses involved.

After considering all submissions, the Adjudicative Committee determined the carelessness to be above mid-range, adopting an 8-day suspension as the starting point as per the NZTR Penalty Guide (March 2024).  A 1-day reduction was applied, due to Ms Rogerson’s admission and her riding record.

Conclusion:

Ms Rogerson is suspended from riding for 7 days.

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted and her Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 7 days, commencing after racing on Wednesday 16 October and concluding after racing on Sunday 27 October 2024.