Wellington RC 14 December 2025 – R6 – George Rooke

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 6, the “DUNSTAN HORSEFEEDS STAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER 2200”, Mr Goodwin presented an Information charging Mr Rooke, the Rider of MCGRATH, with careless riding – in breach of Rule 638(1)(d), in that he “permitted his mount to shift outwards when not sufficiently clear of HELLUVAH RETURN, which was checked near the 350 metres point”.

Mr Rooke did not admit the breach of the Rule and the matter was heard on a defended basis.

The race films depicted the incident near the 350 metre point where MCGRATH, racing near the rail, shifted outwards to secure a clear running channel.  HELLUVAH RETURN, ridden by Ms Hemi, received a check (although Ms Hemi said in evidence “I had to take hold of it”), so as to avoid the heels of MCGRATH, as that horse was not the required 2 lengths’ clear when shifting out.  Ms Hemi’s evidence was that MCGRATH was only 1 length clear and she was placed in restricted room, so had to take a hold.  Mr Rooke said that MCGRATH moved out abruptly when racing in an erratic manner all the way up the home straight, and “it has not helped me”.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

The Adjudicative Committee found the charge to be proved in that the evidence established that Mr Rooke’s mount was not sufficiently clear of Ms Hemi’s mount when it angled out to obtain a run.  The degree of carelessness on Mr Rooke’s part was low.  Misjudgement, as was the case here, is careless if it comprises acting without reasonable care and attention.

DECISION:

The charge was found proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Goodwin advised that Mr Rooke is due to commence a suspension of 8 National Riding Days on Friday 19 December 2025, until 6 January 2026.  He described Mr Rooke’s recent record as being poor, having had 3 breaches of the Careless Riding Rule since 8 October 2025, with suspensions of up to 6 days being imposed, and 8 breaches over the last 12 months.  In addition, the impending 8 days suspension is for a breach of the Whip Rule.

Mr Rooke did not advance any submissions as to penalty.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Rooke is a busy Senior Rider and his record is regrettable.  But the degree of carelessness on this occasion was low.  A suspension of 5 National Riding Days is a sufficient penalty.  It must start after the impending 8 days suspension concludes.

CONCLUSION:

Accordingly, Mr Rooke’s Licence to ride is further suspended for 5 National Riding Days, to commence at the start of racing on 7 January 2026 and to finish at the conclusion of racing on 11 January 2026.