Whangarei RC - 17 July 2010 - R 4
638 (1)(d)
RACEDAY JUDICIAL COMMITTEE DECISION
Informant: Mr A Coles Stipendiary Steward
Defendant: Mr R Rusof
Information No: 7587
Meeting: Whangarei Racing Club
Date: 17 July 2010
Venue: Ruakaka
Race: 4
Rule No: 638 1(d)
Judicial Committee: R Seabrook, Chairman – A Dooley, Committee Member
Plea: Admitted
Also Present: Mr L Noble
CHARGES:
Following race 4 an Information was filed pursuant to rule 638 1(d) by the informant Mr Coles. He alleged that Mr Rusof permitted his mount PRIMO QUEST to shift inwards near the 800 metres when not sufficiently clear of FAALCON (P Taylor). This resulted in ANUTHAHOARSE (S Spratt) having to be checked.
FACTS:
Mr Oatham demonstrated the video films which showed at a point near the 800 metres, PRIMO QUEST ridden by Mr Rusof racing in a 4 wide position. It was evident on the film that Mr Rusof allowed his mount to move in dictating the line of FAALCON who in turn was forced in, which resulted in ANUTHAHOARSE receiving quite a severe check. Mr Oatham said the inward movement by Mr Rusof carried on for some time and pointed out to the committee Mr Taylor having to turn his mount’s head inwards trying to minimize the interference. He said Mr Rusof was never the required distance clear when moving in.
Mr Noble said Mr Rusof was aware of his mistake which he had admitted immediately. He said although the films were not clear it was evident 2 riders were in difficulty. He explained to the committee that Mr Rusof spoke very little English but did understand what the charge was about.
SUBMISSIONS ON PENALTY
Mr Coles said this was Mr Rusof’s first charge and to his credit he had admitted it straight away. However he said Miss Spratt had received a significant check. He submitted a term of suspension at the low end would be appropriate.
Mr Noble said Mr Rusof had rides at Tauranga on the 21 July.
REASON(s):
The Committee considered the submissions and evidence as presented. Mitigating factors are Mr Rusof’s guilty plea and that this was his first charge. However the aggravating factor of two horses receiving interference has also to be taken into account. Mr Rusof did little to straighten his mount with the inward movement going on for some time.
PENALTY:
After noting the submissions made by the respective parties the Committee is satisfied a suspension of four days is appropriate. Accordingly we suspend Mr Rusof from riding in races which is to start after the conclusion of racing on 21 July 2010 and conclude after racing on 29 July 2010 (4 days).
Richard Seabrook Adrian Dooley
Chairman Committee Member
7587
