Wellington RC 14 January 2023 – R5 – Michael McNab

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 5, the Respondent Mr M McNab admitted a charge of careless riding which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that M McNab (BELLE OF THE BALL), allowed his mount to shift in when not sufficiently clear, crowding LLANACORD (S O’Malley) and ENCIERRO (J Doyle) near the 100m.

Mr McNab acknowledged he understood the Rule and confirmed his admission of the breach.

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

Using the available race films, Stipendiary Steward Mr Goodwin demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned. He showed Mr McNab on the outside of the field with his horse wanting to shift in under pressure. Mr McNab straightened his mount initially but then under a hard ride, and after using the whip, BELLE OF THE BALL again moved inwards tightening two horses to its inside.

Mr McNab had nothing to say in regard to the incident.

Decision:

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

Submission for Penalty:

Mr Oatham produced Mr McNab’s riding record which indicated three previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months, namely:

30/1/22  Ellerslie 5 days

22/10/22 Waikato 5 days

2/11/22  Avondale 5 days

All breaches had been in the low – mid range of careless riding. Mr Oatham said Mr McNab has had 782 rides in the last 12 months.

The Stewards classified today’s breach as low end.

Mr McNab  advised of riding engagements through until Saturday January 21st and sought a deferment to any proposed suspension.

He asked the Adjudicative Committee to take into account that one of the days he would be missing due to suspension is Wellington Cup day.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Adjudicative Committee determined Mr McNab’s carelessness to be in the low range. His horse was wanting to “lay in” down the straight and it was only for a stride that Mr McNab failed to straighten sufficiently. The two horses to his inside were tightened for room but did not suffer any severe interference. A 5 day suspension was adopted as the starting point, which conforms with the NZTR Penalty Guide (as of 1 March 2022).

A 1-day uplift was applied to recognise the Group 3 status of the race.

Mr McNab’s riding record, when looked at beside his large number of rides in the last 12 months, was considered a reasonable record. He is one of the busiest Riders in the country and due to the breach today, will miss taking rides on the prestigious Wellington Cup day.

After consideration of the above factors including his ready admission of the breach, a 5- day suspension was considered appropriate. In addition, a $450 fine was imposed, which accounts for 50% of his stakes earnings for running 2nd.

Conclusion:

Mr McNab’s  request for a deferment is granted and his licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 5 days commencing after racing on Saturday January 21st, and concluding after racing on Wednesday February 1st 2023. In addition a fine of $450 is imposed.