Wairio JC - 16 May 2010 - R 2
649(3)
RACEDAY JUDICIAL COMMITTEE DECISION
Informant: Mr Davidson - Stipendiary Steward
Defendant: Mr J Chong - Apprentice Jockey
Information No: 5522
Meeting: Wairio Jockey Club
Date: Sunday 16 May 2010
Venue: Winton
Race: 2
Rule No: 649(3)
Judicial Committee: G Hall, Chairman – D Steel, Committee Member
Plea: N/A
Also Present: Mr McLaughlin, stipendiary steward, Mr M Hamilton, licensed trainer, assisting Mr Chong, Mr Blair-Edie, trainer of SCARLETT FEVER
FACTS:
Mr Davidson alleged a breach of R 649(1) in that Mr Chong, the rider of SCARLETT FEVER had omitted to put a towel, which he had weighed out with, to the gear which was placed on the horse. Mr Chong weighed in 0.8 kg light and the horse was disqualified.
The Committee drew Mr Davidson’s attention to R 649(3), which we believed better described the nature of the breach. Mr Davidson sought and was granted leave to amend the charge.
R 649(3) states:
A Rider must not weigh-in at a weight that exceeds or is less than the proper weight as is defined in and with the allowance permitted by Rule 648(3).
Mr Chong admitted the amended charge, which we thus found proved.
SUBMISSION(s) AS TO PENALTY:
Mr Davidson submitted that a penalty of one month’s suspension was appropriate. He emphasised the serious nature of the breach but acknowledged that the Committee should take into account the fact that Mr Chong had admitted the breach and had no previous breaches of any rule.
REASON(s):
We agree with Mr Davidson that this is a serious breach of R 649(3). The consequence has been that SCARLETT FEVER, which finished 4th, has been disqualified. This has cost the connections of the horse a stake of $400 and has disadvantaged those members of the betting public who had SCARLETT FEVER to run 4th in a first 4.
However, this is Mr Chong’s first breach of any of the Rules of Racing. He has said it was an oversight, and is very remorseful. Mr Hamilton has said he will ensure Mr Chong learns from this experience of being in the room for the first time. We also take into account Mr Chong’s ready admission of the breach.
DECISION:
Mr Chong is suspended from riding at the end of racing today up to and including June 10. This is in effect 5 South Island riding days.
G Hall D Steel
CHAIR Committee Member
5542
