Wellington RC 25 October 2026 – R5 – Joe Doyle

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 5, the “Grant Plumbing Handicap”, Ms Selvakumaran presented an Information charging Mr J Doyle, the Rider of “AZEEZLE”, with careless riding in breach of Rule 638(1)(d), in that he allowed his mount to shift ground inwards when not sufficiently clear of “LHASA”, which was crowded and had to be steadied, losing its rightful running.

Mr Doyle admitted the breach.

The evidence, as illustrated with the race films and given by Mr Goodwin and Mr Doyle, was that “AZEEZLE” and “LHASA” were strongly contesting first and second inside the final 300 metres, with “LHASA” close to the running rail and “AZEEZLE” immediately outside of it.

As “LHASA” started to first weaken at about the 150 metre mark, Mr Doyle allowed “AZEEZLE” to shift inwards when not the required distance ahead, leading to Mr Wigram steadying his mount as it was crowded. It was tiring and finished 5th; “AZEEZLE” finished 2nd.  The degree of carelessness was not severe, but resulted in “LHASA” being denied its clear run.

Decision:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed to be proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Ms Selvakumaran advised that Mr Doyle was a busy Rider, having had 663 mounts in the past 12 months, with a good record of only one previous riding breach, almost one year ago, in November 2025. She said the degree of carelessness was in the low range.

Mr Doyle explained that his mount was starting to battle, otherwise it would have gone easily past “LHASA” on its inside, other than gradually shifting inwards.

Reasons for Penalty:

The NZTR recommended starting point, for “low range” careless riding, is 5 National Days’ suspension.

In fixing a suspension, the Adjudicative Committee takes into account, as mitigation, its conclusion that the degree of carelessness was very low and the excellent record of Mr Doyle, over a long lengthy period. There are no aggravating features. A discount from the starting point is warranted.

Conclusion:

Accordingly, Mr Doyle’s Licence to ride is suspended for 4 National Riding Days. Given his present commitments on 26 October 2026, the suspension is to commence at the conclusion of racing on 26 October 2026 and to end at the conclusion of racing on 1 November 2026.