Wellington RC 13 January 2024 – R6 – Opie Bosson

ID: RIB37601

Respondent(s):
Opie Bosson - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr J Oatham

Adjudicators:
N Moffatt and B Mainwaring

Persons Present:
Mr B Jones - Stipendiary Steward, Mr O P Bosson

Information Number:
A16783

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Weighed in overweight

Rule(s):
648(5) - Weight Infringement

Plea:
Admitted

Animal Name:
QUINTESSA

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
13/01/2024

Race Club:
Wellington Racing Club

Race Location:
Trentham - 10 Racecourse Rd, Upper Hutt, 5018

Race Number:
R6

Hearing Date:
13/01/2024

Hearing Location:
Trentham Racecourse

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Opie Bosson is fined $500

Mr Oatham alleged that in Race 6,  Mr Bosson weighed in, 0.8 kgs in excess of the weight at which he weighed out.

This breach would normally be dealt with by way of a Minor Infringement, but it was placed before the Adjudicative Committee due to the Group 1 status of the race and the fact Mr Bosson had previous breaches.

Mr Oatham explained Mr Bosson was carded to ride QUINTESSSA at 55kgs ,the usual limit for him. He weighed out prior to the race at 56.4kgs but weighed in after winning the race at 57.2kgs.

Decision:

As Mr Bosson has admitted the breach, it is found to be proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Oatham said Mr Bosson breached the same Rule on 2 occasions at Hastings on 9 September 2023, for which he was fined $200 and $750 respectively.

He emphasised that Riders often encounter weight-related challenges during the summer months due to dehydration and the need to drink more water. He said it was fortunate Mr Bosson won the race, as the situation would have been significantly different had Mr Bosson been beaten by a small margin. The Stewards’ submission was for a fine in the vicinity of his previous breaches.

Mr Bosson explained he had taken some pain killers and probably consumed too much water prior to the race.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Adjudicative Committee had regard to all submissions and applied an increase to reflect the Group 1 status of the race.

Conclusion:

Mr Bosson is fined the sum of $500.

Decision Date: 13/01/2024

Publish Date: 15/01/2024