Cambridge JC - 7 July 2010 - R 7

RACEDAY JUDICIAL COMMITTEE DECISION

Informant:  Mr M Williamson Stipendiary Steward

Defendant:  Mr I Lupton

Information No:  7659

Meeting:  Cambridge Jockey Club

Date:  7 July 2010

Venue:  Te Rapa

Race:  7

Rule No:  638 (1) (d)

Judicial Committee:  R Seabrook, Chairman – Committee Member, B Tims

Plea:  Admitted

CHARGES:

Following Race 7 an Information was filed pursuant to rule 638 (1) (d).  The Informant, Mr M Williamson alleged that STAGEHAND (I Lupton) shifted in near the 175 metres when not clear.  This dictated EOGHAN (D Nolan) inwards causing crowding to VONITSU (R Eynon).  STAGEHAND continued to shift in resulting in a check to EOGHAN.

Mr Lupton admitted the breach.

FACTS:

Mr Coles demonstrated the video films which showed at the 300 metre mark, STAGEHAND, which was vying for the lead, shift in when not sufficiently clear.  Mr Coles said Mr Lupton had come in from a 6 – 7 wide position, did not stop riding and 2 horses had to be checked.

Mr Lupton said he did straighten his mount once earlier on but admitted he should have done more in the final stages.  However he believed that Mr Turner on his inside had shifted out contributing to the interference.  He also stated his mount was green, it was only its 3^rd start and he was looking to follow another horse.

SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY:

Mr Williamson stated this was Mr Lupton’s first charge since 1 August 2009 which was an excellent record.  However he believed this ride fell well short of what is expected from a rider of Mr Lupton’s experience.  He said Mr Lupton did not stop riding and had moved in 4 horse widths.  Mr Williamson submitted a 4 – 6 day suspension would be appropriate.

REASON(s):

The Committee carefully considered all evidence and submissions before imposing an appropriate penalty.  The only mitigating factors are Mr Lupton’s guilty plea and his very good record.  However in this case Mr Lupton made no attempt to stop riding and straighten his mount and 2 horses received checks as a result.

PENALTY:

Taking all the above factors into account we impose a suspension on Mr Lupton from riding in races which is to begin after racing on 10 July 2010 and conclude after racing on 21 July 2010 - (5 days).

Richard Seabrook                                            Brian Tims

Chairman                                                        Committee Member

7659