R Taupo 13 August 2010 - R 8
638(1)(d)
RACEDAY JUDICIAL COMMITTEE DECISION
Informant: Mr M Williamson
Defendant: Mr L Innes
Information No: 7664
Meeting: Racing Taupo
Date: 13 August 2010
Venue: Taupo
Race: 7
Rule No: 638 (1) (d)
Judicial Committee: R Seabrook, Chairman – D Johnstone, Committee Member
Plea: Admitted
CHARGES:
Following race 7 an Information was filed pursuant to rule 638 (1) (d). The Informant Mr M Williamson alleged that Mr L Innes, rider of MODEL TONITE, permitted his mount to shift outwards near the 200 metres when not sufficiently clear of GEMIMA (M Hills) which was checked.
FACTS:
Mr Oatham demonstrated the video films which showed MODEL TONITE (L Innes) racing near the running rail shortly after turning for home. It was clear on the films that, with approximately 200 metres to go, MODEL TONITE was full of running but being held up by the horses directly in front. Mr Innes then angled his mount out to gain a better run but in doing so moved into the line of JEMIMA (M Hills) when less than a length clear. This caused Mr Hills to take a strong hold with the resultant check costing him considerable ground.
SUBMISSION(s):
Mr Innes said he realised he had come out sharply and checked Mr Hills but told the Committee his vision was affected by dirty goggles. He believed this caused him to misjudge the distance between his mount and that of Mr Hills.
SUBMISSION(s) ON PENALTY:
Mr Williamson said this was Mr Innes’ fourth charge in the last 12 months which was a reasonable record for the number of rides he has. He said Mr Innes should be given credit for his guilty plea and although the interference to JEMIMA was not great he believed Mr Innes’ carelessness was in the mid to high range.
Mr Innes said he only had commitments until racing at Te Rapa tomorrow (14 August) so wished to start his suspension after that. He told the Committee he was chasing the premiership this season and was intending to ride at the upcoming Ashburton meeting on the 22nd August, 2010.
REASON(s):
The Committee considered all evidence and submissions before imposing an appropriate penalty. The only mitigating factor is Mr Innes’ guilty plea. It was clearly evident that Mr Innes chose to angle out quite sharply when he was frustrated for a run. However he was certainly not the required distance clear of Mr Hills when doing so. The Committee does not believe the dirty goggles were an excuse as Mr Innes could have stayed where he was if he was having trouble with his vision.
PENALTY:
Taking all the above factors into account we impose a suspension on Mr Innes from riding in races which is to start after racing on 14 August and conclude after racing on 22nd August 2010 (5 days).
