Whangarei RC 3 July 2021 – R6 – Joe Kamaruddin

Evidence:

The Stewards charged Mr Kamaruddin with a breach of r 638(1)(d) in that he allowed his mount EXCITONIC to shift in at the 175 metres when not sufficiently clear of SELVA VERDE, KOOL POWER and RIVER RUN, which were hampered and steadied.

Mrs Selvakumaran asked Mr Williamson to show the incident on the videos. He demonstrated that Mr Kamaruddin was racing six wide in the home straight when he allowed his horse to shift in crowding SELVA VERDE, KOOL POWER and RIVER RUN. The side-on video evidenced that Mr Kamaruddin was not clear at this time. The Jockeys of the affected horses had to take hold and were hampered to varying degrees. In response to a question from the Committee, he said he believed RIVER RUN was attempting a run at that point and was shut out. RIVER RUN had finished 5^th.

Mr Williamson said Mr Kamaruddin had shifted in some 3 horse widths and should have taken corrective action sooner. There was one strike with the whip when EXCITONIC was shifting ground.

Mr Harris said Mr Kamaruddin was too late in taking corrective action. He commented that EXCITONIC can race erratically. He was working with Mr Kamaruddin and was endeavouring to impress upon him to use the whip less. Mr Kamaruddin agreed he was too late in correcting EXCITONIC.

Reason for Decision:

Mr Kamaruddin has admitted the charge and it is found proved.

Submission for Penalty:

Mrs Selvakumaran said Mr Kamaruddin had been suspended for 4 days last Wednesday. But the breach prior to this was back in July 2020. She described today’s breach as mid-range. Mr Williamson added that the other Jockeys could see Mr Kamaruddin was coming across. Mrs Selvakumaran said the Respondent was a busy Jockey.

Mr Harris said Mr Kamaruddin was very much in demand. He added that Mr Kamaruddin was a quick learner and had realised his error prior to being spoken to after the race by the Stipendiary Stewards.

Reason for Penalty:

The breach is just above mid-range. Mr Kamaruddin used his whip on his horse when it was shifting ground and his corrective action was simply too late. In determining the level of the breach, the Committee has had regard to the fact that a number of horses were inconvenienced at a critical stage in the race and one horse, in particular, RIVER RUN, was attempting a run at the time.

The starting point for a mid-range breach is 5 days’ suspension and a $500 fine. The Committee imposes a suspension at this 5-day starting point, which reflects the gravity of the breach and the Respondent’s culpability.

A reduction of $200 in the starting point fine of $500 is given in recognition of Mr Kamaruddin’s record, which can fairly be described as good, and his admission of the breach.

Conclusions:

Mr Kamaruddin’s current suspension ends on 17 July. He is suspended from 18 July up to and including 28 July 2021 and is fined the sum of $300.