Wellington RC 6 December 2025 – R1 – Chris Dell

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 1, the “GRAHAM’S PAINTERS 1400”, Mr Oatham presented an Information charging Mr Dell with careless riding, in breach of Rule 638(1)(d), in that upon entering the home straight near the 400 metre mark, he angled his mount LAURA’S LEGACY outwards so as to hamper the favourite THE DIRTY DEE, when insufficiently clear, so as to force that runner over a considerable extra ground.

Mr Dell admitted the charge.

The race films as interpreted by Mr Goodwin, depicted LAURA’S LEGACY racing towards the rear as the field entered the home straight.  THE DIRTY DEE (Mr C Grylls) was commencing a strong run from near the rear, but was severely hampered and forced very wide by Mr Dell’s mount when, insufficiently clear.  Mr Grylls was required to check and take evasive action and although finishing strongly wide out to be second (by a long neck), has in effect been prevented from finishing closer by the actions of Mr Dell.

Mr Dell said that in his opinion, “both horses were on the wrong legs” and his horse was green.

DECISION:

As the charge was admitted, it was deemed proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Mr Oatham advised that Mr Dell had 368 rides in the past 12 months, with 2 previous careless riding breaches, on 19 December 2024 and as recently on 9 November 2025.  He assesses the degree of carelessness as mid range and it was deliberate.

Mr Dell has no present riding engagements and content to start any suspension of Licence from today, 6 December 2025.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Adjudicative Committee deemed that a suspension was required on this occasion.

CONCLUSION:

Mr Dell’s Licence to ride is suspended for 7 national riding days, to commence at the conclusion of racing on 6 December 2025 and to end at the conclusion of racing on 17 December 2025.