Wellington RC 22 March 2025 – R8 – Kate Hercock

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 8, the “AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI NEW ZEALAND OAKS”, Mr Jones presented an Information charging Ms Hercock, the Rider of “GIRL TALK” with careless riding, in breach of Rule 638(1)(d).

It was contended that Ms Hercock permitted her mount to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear of “SKYMAX” (ridden by Ms L Sutherland) passing the 2100 metre mark (the winning post) on the first round of the “Oaks”, causing “SKYMAX” to be checked.

The race films referred to by Mr N Goodwin depicted “GIRL TALK” starting from barrier 14 in a field of 15, proceeding forward to gain an advantageous position, but racing ungenerously.  Passing the winning post, Ms Hercock allowed her mount to move inwards into the line of Ms Sutherland’s mount, which had also proceeded forward from barrier 12.  Ms Hercock was not sufficiently clear, causing Ms Sutherland to check her mount to avoid clipping heels.

Ms Hercock said that her mount was “wound up and racing fiercely by over racing”.

DECISION:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Jones advised that Ms Hercock has had 460 rides over the past 12 months and incurred 1 suspension in that period.  He submitted that the carelessness fell into the low category, but it was an aggravating factor that it was a Group 1 Race.

Ms Hercock advised that she had confirmed races over the next 7 days.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee considered that a suspension, rather than a fine, was necessary and took a starting point of 5 days in applying the NZTR Penalty Guide for low end careless riding.  An allowance of 1 day was fixed to reflect Ms Hercock’s excellent record.  However, an uplift of 2 days was necessary as this was a Group 1 classic race and “SKYMAX” eventually recovered to finish 4th.

CONCLUSION:

Accordingly, Ms Hercock’s Licence to ride is suspended for 6 National Riding Days, to start at the end of racing on 29 March 2025 and finish after the conclusion of racing on 6 April 2025.