Wellington RC 11 March 2023 – R8 – Niranjan Parmar

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 8, the Respondent Apprentice, Rider Mr Parmar admitted a charge of careless riding issued pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).

The Information alleged:

“in that he allowed his mount to shift in near the 600m when not clear of SHARE POWER which was checked”

Mr Parmar acknowledged that he understood the charge and confirmed his admission of the breach. Ms Clapperton in turn endorsed this.

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

Using available film, Stewards outlined the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

Approaching the 600 metre mark, STRANGE LOVE looks to improve around SHARE POWER (Mr M Singh), who led the field and was against the fence. When barely 1 length ahead of SHARE POWER, STRANGE LOVE is seen to head back to the rail causing SHARE POWER to be checked and then blunder.

Upon questioning, Mr Parmar commented that the horse, of its own accord,  ducked back to the rail. He also confirmed that he had ridden the horse previously and was aware of it’s tendency. Mr Peter McKay (Trainer STRANGE LOVE) asked that he address the Adjudicative Committee and was invited to do so. He added that the horse was difficult to ride and that in the future, the Jockey would be asked to ride the horse in such a manner as to minimise the chance of a repeat.

Decision:

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

Submissions of Penalty:

Mr Simpson produced Mr Parmar’s record as it related a breach of this Rule:

2/4/2022 – low/mid      4 days suspension

29/4/2022 – mid            4 weeks suspension (causing fall)

30/7/2022 – low             5 days suspension

4/9/2022   – above mid 9 days suspension

30/9/2022   – low           7 days suspension

29/10/2022 – low           8 days suspension

17/12/2022 – mid           10 days suspension

It was conveyed that Mr Parmar has had 463 career rides.

Stewards considered the carelessness to sit mid range and referred the Adjudicative Committee to the current Penalty Guideline. Mr Parmar did not add comment in respect of penalty.

Reasons for Penalty:

After considering submissions and reviewing film, the Adjudicative Committee determined Mr Parmar’s carelessness to sit mid range. Comments made by the Respondent and Mr McKay (in respect of the tendency of the horse) were noted.  Starting point for penalty for mid range carelessness sits at 7 days suspension. An uplift of 3 days was deemed appropriate to reflect the Respondent’s very poor record.

Conclusion:

Accordingly, the Respondent’s licence to ride in races is suspended for 10 national riding days, commencing from the close of racing on 29th March 2023 up to and including 16th April 2023. Suspension is to commence following the conclusion of that suspension imposed as a result of Information A18962. It is noted the Racing Calendar denotes an approved programme meeting for 16th April 2023 at a venue TBC.