Wellington RC 28 June 2025 – R1 – Dean Parker

Evidence:

Following the disqualification of “CATCH AND RELEASE”, the mount of Mr D Parker from 5th place in Race 1, “THE NORM BEVAN MEMORIAL MAIDEN STEEPLECHASE”, Mr Goodwin presented an Information charging Mr D Parker with a breach of Rule 638(1)(e).

It was alleged that Mr Parker rode his mount incompetently when he took the wrong course when entering the course proper, which led to his mount being disqualified.

Mr D Parker admitted the charge.

The relevant facts are recorded in the Adjudicative Committee’s earlier Decision disqualifying the first, fifth and sixth placed horses.  Mr D Parker mistakenly followed the leading horse “SMUG” as it left the infield onto the course proper in the concluding stages of the race.  If “SMUG” had taken the correct line, it is clear that Mr D Parker would have done likewise.  But he, along with all Riders, had been properly instructed by the Official as to the proper course and should have, as did 3 other Riders, adhered to those instructions.

Decision:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Parker has a good riding record.  The NZTR Penalty Guide provides for a starting point of 4 weeks suspension.

Reasons for Penalty:

Mr Parker has a good record and from the NZTR Guide starting point of 4 weeks suspension for incompetent riding, the Adjudicative Committee affords him a 1 week deduction to reflect the mitigating circumstances, such as being misled by the course the leader took into the earlier gap.

Conclusion:

Accordingly, Mr D Parker’s Licence to ride is suspended for 3 weeks, from the conclusion of racing on 6 July 2025, to finish at the conclusion of racing on 27 July 2025.