Wellington RC 12 April 2024 – R7 – Lily Sutherland
ID: RIB53899
Animal Name:
MEHZEBEEN
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
12/04/2025
Race Club:
Wellington Racing Club
Race Location:
Trentham - 10 Racecourse Rd, Upper Hutt, 5018
Race Number:
R7
Hearing Date:
12/04/2025
Hearing Location:
Trentham Racecourse
Outcome: Proved
Penalty: Apprentice Jockey Lily Sutherland is suspended for 7 days and fined $800
Evidence:
Following the running of Race 7, the “VALLEY D’VINE RESTAURANT HAWKE’S BAY CUP”, Mr Goodwin presented an Information charging Ms L Sutherland, the Rider of “MEHZEBEEN”, with careless riding, in breach of Rule 638(1)(d).
It was alleged that Ms Sutherland permitted her mount to shift inwards near the 400 metre mark when insufficiently clear of “DUNCAN CREEK”, which was crowded and had to be checked.
Ms Sutherland admitted the breach.
The race films depicted MEHZEBEEN travelling well in the straight and Ms Sutherland seeking to find space and gaps to mount a final run. She angled and allowed her mount to move inwards to secure a run against the fence. In doing so, she was not the required distance ahead of “DUNCAN CREEK’, which was impeded and had to be checked by its Rider. “MEHZEBEEN” finished full of running to win well.
Decision:
As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.
Submissions for Penalty:
Ms Jillings on behalf of the Informant, submitted that a term of suspension together with a fine was necessary, as this was a Listed (Black Type) Race. Ms Sutherland is a very busy and successful Apprentice, having had 757 rides this year, with 4 breaches of this Rule since April 2024. The breach was in the low/medium range of severity.
Ms Clapperton, on behalf of Ms Sutherland, submitted that a mitigating factor was the movement inwards of another horse, which went towards closing or lessening the gap that Ms Sutherland had elected to take.
Reasons for Penalty:
From a recommended starting point of 6 days suspension, the Adjudicative Committee took as an aggravating feature, that Ms Sutherland’s mount won the race because of her movement inwards, and that this was a black type race. This required an uplift of 1 day. Whilst no deduction could be afforded because of a blameless history, the Adjudicative Committee regarded this as a neutral factor, given her extensive riding record over 12 months. However, it was necessary to impose a fine of $800 (being just under 25% of her percentage of the winning stake).
Conclusion:
Ms Sutherland’s Licence to ride is suspended for 7 National Riding Days, to commence at the completion of racing on 19 April 2025 and to end at the completion of racing on 1 May 2025. In addition, she is fined $800.
Decision Date: 12/04/2025
Publish Date: 15/04/2025