Otago RC - 15 October 2010 - R 6

RACEDAY JUDICIAL COMMITTEE DECISION

Informant:  Mr M Davidson, stipendiary steward

Defendant:  Mr S Muniandy, licensed jockey

Information No: 7497

Meeting:  Otago Racing Club

Date:  15 October 2010

Venue:  Wingatui

Race:  6

Rule No: 638(1)(d)

Judicial Committee:  Geoff Hall, Chairman – J Eagles, Committee Member 

Plea:  Admitted

Also Present:  Mr S Anderton

CHARGES:

Mr Davidson alleged that Mr Muniandy, the rider of OUTLAW QUEEN, permitted his mount to shift inwards when not clear causing interference to SELENUS (C Lunn), WHODUNNIT (I Khairil) and ARISTOCRAT (A Denby) over the concluding stages.

Mr Muniandy, who was assisted by Mr S Anderton, licensed trainer, admitted the breach, which we thus find proved.

SUBMISSIONS:

Mr Davidson described the breach as mid range and submitted that a penalty of 3 South Island days was appropriate, 

Neither Mr Muniandy nor Mr Anderton disagreed with this submission.

REASONS: We agree with Mr Davidson’s assessment of the breach as being mid range. OUTLAW QUEEN survived a protest but this was due to the extent of the winning margin, as we were satisfied that interference had been caused to a number of horses when Mr Muniandy allowed OUTLAW QUEEN to shift in about 200 metres from the winning post, when not his length and another clear.

Mr Muniandy’s record is very good. He is generally a busy rider and has had only one breach this calendar year. He has also readily admitted the breach. From a 5 day starting point, we give credit to these factors and impose a suspension of 3 South Island days. Mr Muniandy is also reminded of his obligations under the Rules of Racing.

DECISION:

Mr Muniandy is suspended from riding from the end of the meeting at Ashburton on 17 October up to and including 31 October.