Wellington Racing Club – 3rd January 2026 – R7- Ryan Elliot

Evidence:

​Following the running of race 7 (Group 2 Levin Classic), the Respondent Mr R Elliot admitted a charge of careless riding under Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that he permitted his mount HALO’S FIRE to shift inwards when not clear of LA DORADA which had to be firmly restrained to avoid heels near the 1200 metres.

Mr Elliot confirmed he understood the Rule and admitted the breach.

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

Using available race films, Stipendiary Steward Mr N Goodwin demonstrated that Mr Elliot started from barrier 6 and shifted inwards to gain a run closer to the rail. He was only marginally clear of M Cartwright’s mount before crossing into the line of C Grylls on LA DORADA, who was forced to take a strong hold for several strides. Mr Goodwin submitted that Mr Elliot should have pushed forward before shifting in.​

Mr Elliot explained that HALO’S FIRE was green, having only its third start, and overreacted when he urged it forward then asked it to settle.

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

Submission for Penalty:

Mr Oatham presented Mr Elliot’s record, showing one prior breach under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months (Manawatu, March; 9-day suspension). Mr Elliot has had 186 mounts in that period but did not ride over winter. Stewards assessed the carelessness as mid-range.​

Mr Elliot advised that any suspension could commence immediately and asked the Committee to consider HALO’S FIRE’s greenness and that this was only his second week back riding.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Adjudicative Committee assessed Mr Elliot’s riding as mid-range carelessness and, in accordance with the NZTR Penalty Guide, adopted a 7-day suspension as the appropriate starting point. In mitigation, the Committee took into account Mr Elliot’s good record and his admission of the breach at the first opportunity, while recognising as an aggravating factor the Group 2 status of the race.​

Rule 920(2) empowers an Adjudicative Committee, when imposing penalty, to have regard to such matters as it considers appropriate, including the status of the race, the stake payable and the consequences of the breach. ​

Balancing the mitigating features against the aggravating circumstance of the race’s status the Committee concluded that a 7-day suspension was an appropriate penalty. Mr Elliot’s horse ran fourth for which he earned prizemoney of $1,000. It is customary practice to impose a fine in addition to any suspension for breaches in black type races.  The Committee imposed a fine equivalent to 50% of those earnings, being $500.

After consideration of the above factors a 7-day suspension and a fine of $500 was imposed.

Conclusion – Penalty:

Mr Elliot’s licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 7 days commencing after racing today January 3rd 2026, and concluding after racing on Sunday January 11th 2026. In addition he is fined $500.