Auckland RC - 23 October 2010 - R 1
638(1)(d)
RACEDAY JUDICIAL COMMITTEE DECISION
Informant: Mr A Coles
Defendant: Mr L Innes
Information No: 7570
Meeting: Auckland Racing Club
Date: 23 October 2010
Venue: Ellerslie
Race: 1
Rule No: 638 (1) (d)
Judicial Committee: R Seabrook, Chairman – A Dooley, Committee Member
Plea: Admitted the breach
CHARGES:
Following race 1 an information was filed pursuant to rule 638 (1) (d). The Informant, Mr Coles alleged that near the 300 metres Mr L Innes (ZAHALLA) allowed his mount to shift in when not sufficiently clear of SILENCE PLEASE (T Thornton) who was crowded and had to check.
FACTS:
Mr Williamson demonstrated the video films and pointed out to the committee Mr Innes riding ZAHALLA racing in a position 2 off the rails at the 300 metre mark. Racing on his inside and just behind ZAHALLA was SILENCE PLEASE ridden by Mrs T Thornton. It was clearly evident on the films that soon after the 300 metres Mr Innes allowed his mount to move in approximately one horse width and into the line of SILENCE PLEASE. He was obviously not the required distance clear and SILENCE PLEASE did receive quite a sharp check as a result.
SUBMISSION(s):
Mr Innes submitted he made an error of judgement but said he didn’t realize Mrs Thornton was in the position she was. He believed her mount overreacted causing it to throw its head in the air. He added that Mrs Thornton did not call out at any stage.
SUBMISSION(s) ON PENALTY:
Mr Coles said this was Mr Innes’ 4th charge in the last 12 months which he said was a good record for the number of rides he has. He said although Mrs Thornton received a sharp check he submitted this was at the lower end of carelessness.
Mr Innes said he had commitments up to and including 27 October.
Following questioning from the committee Mr Innes said he intended going to Timaru on 31 October to ride members of Mr Sargent’s team.
REASON(s):
The committee carefully considered all evidence and submissions before imposing an appropriate penalty. Mitigating factors are Mr Innes’ admission of the breach and his good record. However the aggravating factor was the check received by Mrs Thornton due to Mr Innes moving in when not the required distance clear.
PENALTY:
Accordingly we impose a suspension on Mr Innes from riding in races which is to start after racing on 27 October and conclude after racing on 31 October (4 riding days)
