Wellington RC 4 January 2025 – R3 – Mereana Hudson

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 3, the Respondent, Class A Rider Ms Mereana Hudson, admitted a charge of careless riding, which was filed pursuant to Rule 638(1)(d).  The Information alleged that she allowed her mount (COMPLEX) to shift outwards at the 450 metres, contacting and unbalancing THE BIG PICTURE.

Ms Hudson acknowledged she understood the Rule and confirmed her admission of the breach.

Rule 638(1)(d) provides: A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Adjudicative Committee considers to be careless.

Using the available race films, Stipendiary Steward Ms K Jillings demonstrated the incident and identified the horses and Riders concerned.

Mr Goodwin said that coming around the home turn, Ms Hudson, riding COMPLEX, shifted outwards and made contact with Mr Grylls on THE BIG PICTURE, forcing him wider on the track.

In response, Ms Hudson explained that there were two horses in front of her, who had not taken the corner very well, prompting her to move outwards to avoid potential issues. Mr Goodwin confirmed Ms Sutherland’s mount had not cornered well and Ms Taylor’s mount was changing legs on the bend. He said Ms Hudson had come out but just overdone it slightly.

Decision:

As the Respondent admitted the breach, the Adjudicative Committee finds the breach proved

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Goodwin produced Ms Hudson’s riding record, which indicated no previous breaches under the Careless Riding Rule in the last 12 months.

She has had 92 mounts in the past 12 months.

Mr Goodwin said Stewards assessed the level of carelessness to be in the low range.

Ms Hudson advised of riding engagements through until Monday January 6th and sought a deferment to any proposed suspension.

Reasons for Penalty:

The Adjudicative Committee classified Ms Hudson’s carelessness as “low range” and adopted a 5-day suspension as the starting point. This aligns with the NZTR Penalty Guide (March 2024) for careless riding, which specifies a 5-day suspension for low-range offences.

Ms Hudson was attempting to avoid potential trouble in front, but inadvertently overcompensated when moving outwards, resulting in contact with Mr Grylls’ mount. Importantly, the impact on Mr Grylls’ horse, THE BIG PICTURE, was deemed negligible, as it ultimately went on to win the race.

In assessing penalty, Ms Hudson’s riding record and prompt admission of the breach, was considered. Based on these mitigating factors, the Adjudicative Committee applied a 1-day reduction to the initial 5-day suspension.

Conclusion:

The Respondent’s request for a deferment is granted and her Licence to ride in races is suspended for a period of 4 days, commencing after racing on 6 January 2025 and concluding after racing on 11 January 2025.