Wellington RC 24 October, 2021 – R 4 – Mr Sam O’Malley

SUMMARY OF FACTS:

Following the running of Race 4 (IRT Sprint), an Information was lodged by Mr Goodwin alleging a breach of Rule 638 (1) (d) in that he (S O’Malley) angled his mount out passing the 400m when not clear of RUN TO PERFECTION which was checked.

Mr Goodwin used the hind film to best highlight the incident. Mr O’Malley (DEERFIELD) was to the inside of K Asano (RUN TO PERFECTION) when he grabbed the right hand rein and moved outwards approximately 2 horse widths taking the line of Mr Asano. RUN TO PERFECTION was squeezed out of the gap. LONDON EXPRESS (C Jones) contributed to the incident by drifting inwards from an outside run.

REASON FOR DECISION:

As Mr O’Malley admitted the breach, it was deemed to be proved.

SUBMISSION FOR PENALTY:

Mr Goodwin said the combined actions of both Riders made the interference worse and resulted in a change of placings therefore there had to be some consequences.  If Mr Jones had not shifted in the incident would not have happened and if Mr O’Malley had not shifted out the incident would not have happened. Mr O’Malley’s carelessness however was slightly higher than Mr Jones because he moved 2 horse widths outwards while Mr Jones drifted in 1 horse width.

Mr Goodwin said Mr O’Malley had only one careless riding charge this year where he was suspended for 6 days and fined $750 in January at Otaki. He does not trouble the Stewards usually but submitted that a period of suspension was appropriate.

REASON FOR PENALTY

In setting penalty the Committee had regard to all submissions. The films clearly showed Mr O’Malley angle outwards when not clear of RUN TO PERFECTION. His movement was at least two horse widths and appeared a considered decision. For this reason the Committee placed his degree of carelessness above low level and adopted a starting point of 6 days suspension. The Connections of RUN TO PERFECTION lodged a successful protest against both Mr O’Malley’s mount DEERFIELD and Mr Jones’ mount LONDON EXPRESS. This was an aggravating factor for which a one day uplift was applied. Mitigating factors were Mr O’Malley’s admission of the breach and his good record. Balancing up all factors a six day suspension was considered appropriate.

Mr O’Malley advised that any suspension could begin after todays racing.

PENALTY

Accordingly, Mr O’Malley’s license is suspended from the close of racing today Sunday October 24th  up to and including racing on Tuesday November 2nd,2021.