Whangarei RC 1 July 2023 – R8 – Ryan Elliot

Evidence:

The Applicant, Stipendiary Steward Mr Dooley filed an Information pursuant to Rule 330(3)(c) alleging that Class A Rider Ryan Elliot failed to make the contracted weight for his mount TOUGH TEST HARRY (Race 8).

The Respondent was present at the hearing and confirmed his admission of the breach.

Rule 330(3)(c) provides:

“A rider shall not fail to ride a horse at the weight at which it is handicapped to carry.” 

Mr Dooley advised that Mr Elliot was booked to ride TOUGH TEST HARRY in Race 8, but he is unable to make its handicapped weight of 57 kg.

The Connections of TOUGH TEST HARRY replaced Mr Elliot with Apprentice Rider Mr D Cooper, which Mr Dooley said is not ideal, as Stewards would prefer replacing a Senior Rider with another Senior Rider, as opposed to an Apprentice Rider.

Mr Elliot agreed with the facts.  He advised that he had spent an hour in the sauna prior to Race 1, but was unable to reduce his weight sufficiently to enable him to ride at 57 kg.

Decision:

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

Submission for Penalty:

Mr Dooley said that this is the Respondent’s 5th breach of the Rule within the last 120 days. He said that his previous breach on 16 June 2023, resulted in a 3-day suspension.

Mr Dooley submitted that given Mr Ryan’s recent record, a suspension is recommended.

Mr Elliot advised that he could commence any proposed suspension after racing on Wednesday 5 July 2023.  He added that he intends to take a short break from race riding, during which time he hopes to get his weight under control.

Reasons for Penalty:

The MIN Schedule establishes a $100 fine as the starting point for a first breach of this Rule.  In circumstances where Stewards elect to file an Information, determination of penalties are fact dependent.

The Adjudicative Committee considered the submissions and for consistency, took some guidance from previous penalties for similar breaches. The Connections and punters were inconvenienced by this breach, given that there was an expectation that Mr Elliot, not an inexperienced Apprentice, would take the ride on TOUGH TEST HARRY.

Given the circumstances and balancing the interests of the Respondent including his poor record; and the interests of all stakeholders, the Adjudicative Committee determined a 4-day suspension to be an appropriate penalty.

Conclusion:

Mr Elliot’s Licence to ride in races is suspended from close of racing on 5 July 2022, until close of racing on 12 July 2023 (4 national days).