Wellington RC 19 March 2022 – R6 – Jason Laking

ID: RIB8152

Respondent(s):
Jason Laking - Jockey

Applicant:
Mr J Oatham - Chief Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
N McCutcheon (Chair) and Hon J W Gendall QC

Persons Present:
J Laking, J Oatham, N Goodwin - Stipendiary Steward

Information Number:
A14523

Decision Type:
Race Related Charge

Charge:
Careless Riding

Rule(s):
638(1)(d) - Riding/driving infringement

Plea:
Admitted

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
19/03/2022

Race Club:
Wellington Racing Club

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

Race Number:
R6

Hearing Date:
19/03/2022

Hearing Location:
Trentham

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Jason Laking suspended for 9 days and fined $300

FACTS:

Mr J Laking the Rider of “ZEITAKU” admitted a charge of careless riding.  The carelessness being that he angled his mount outwards when not sufficiently clear crowding “BELLA LUCE” (S MacNab) which was checked passing the 350m.

Mr Laking said that he understood the charge, Rule and confirmed that he admitted the breach.

Mr Goodwin showed film replays, identified both horses and pointed out where Mr Laking came out when not clear, resulting in “BELLA LUCE” being crowded and checked.  He said that Mr Laking’s mount was no more than a length clear when shifting into the line of “BELLA LUCE”.

Mr Laking said that he agreed with the Stipendiary Steward.  He added that he came out a bit quick, hit “BELLA LUCE’S” flank and that that did not help her at all.

DECISION:

As that charge was admitted and the film evidence being crystal clear with what had occurred, the charge was found proved.

PENALTY SUBMISSIONS:

Mr Oatham said that Mr Laking had a good record with only one breach of careless riding in the last six months, that being on 17 November 2021 with a 6-Riding Day Suspension imposed.

He placed the careless riding at just below mid-range and said an aggravating factor was that it occurred in a Group 1 event.

Mr Laking asked that any suspension imposed starts after racing on 26 March 2022.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Rider of the affected horse “BELLA LUCE” was in difficulty for some strides and finally had to check her mount due to running out of racing room.

The Adjudicative Committee placed the carelessness as no less than mid-range.

A 7-Day suspension was adopted as a starting point as per the Penalty Guide.  As the breach occurred in a Group 1 Race an uplift of 3-Days plus a fine was required.

Due to the record and the admission of the breach a discount of 1-Day was afforded.

CONCLUSION:

Mr Laking’s Jockey’s Licence was suspended from the end of racing on 26 March through to all racing on 10 April 2022 (9-Days) and a fine of $300 imposed.

Decision Date: 19/03/2022

Publish Date: 22/03/2022