Non Raceday Inquiry – RIU v RJ Hurdle – 20 October 2011 – Decision 28 October 2011

hearingid: 0198a87a18e86487867ec4c66037942f

informantnumber: 3451

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decisiondate: 26/10/2011

hearing_title: Non Raceday Inquiry - RIU v RJ Hurdle - 20 October 2011 - Decision 28 October 2011

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appealdecision: NO LINKED APPEAL DECISION

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Decision:

NON RACE DAY INQUIRY BEFORE THE JUDICIAL CONTROL AUTHORITY

Date: 13 October 2011 Hawkes Bay (heard at New Plymouth on 20 October 2011)
Information No: 3451
Rule: 638(1)(d)
Informant: Mr N Goodwin - Stipendiary Steward
Defendant: Mr R Hurdle - Apprentice Jockey
Committee: I Smith, Chairman - P Williams, Committee Member.
Plea: Admitted
Also present: Mr P Hurdle - Licensed Trainer (Employer of Mr R Hurdle)

Charge
Information 3451 was filed by Stipendiary Steward Mr N Goodwin stating that at the Hawkes Bay race meeting held on Thursday 13 October 2011 in race six “Mr R Hurdle the rider of “Albus”, over the final stages permitted his mount to shift in when not clear of “Firstwedance” which was forced inward causing tightening to “Queen of Pop” and “Double O Seven”.
Rule 638(1)(d) states:- A Rider shall not ride a horse in a manner which the Judicial Committee considers to be …………careless;

Mr. Hurdle confirmed to the Committee he admitted the breach of the rule and also that he understood the charge and the rule it was laid under. As Mr Hurdle admitted the breach the committee finds the charge proven.

Facts
Mr Goodwin showed head and side on views of the final 100m of the race and stated that just prior to the finish line Mr Hurdle allowed his mount “Albus” to shift in on to “Firstwedance”, which in turn crowded “Queen of Pop” and “Double O Seven”. He said the films clearly showed Mr Hurdle’s mount moving in and bumping “Firstwedance” which then crowded the two horses on its inside which by then he believed were probably one or two strides past the line. Mr Goodwin said that whilst “Albus” was moving in Mr Hurdle continued to ride his mount out with vigour. However, he also stated the interference had not affected the outcome of the race which was won by Mr Hurdle.

Mr P Hurdle stated that “Firstwedance” mount had caused the interference to the 2 horses on its inside but admitted the inwards movement by “Albus” bumping “Firstwedance” did cause the subsequent tightening to the other 2 horses. He thought Mr R Hurdle did take immediate action and straighten his mount.

Submissions on Penalty

Mr Goodwin said Mr Hurdle had been charged 3 times in the past 12 months under this rule (26 August 2011, 9 November 2010 and 21 October 2010) and he noted there had been an improvement in Mr Hurdle’s riding record in 2011. He said the Stewards considered the level of interference to be in the mid range and submitted a suspension of 5 days was an appropriate penalty.

Mr P Hurdle said he thought the interference was at the lower end of the scale and indicated that Albus was a difficult horse to ride.

When asked if he had any confirmed riding engagements in the next 7 days Mr R Hurdle confirmed he did not have any after Sunday 23 October 2011.

Reasons
The Committee has carefully considered the evidence shown in the films and the submissions of all parties. The film clearly shows Mr Hurdle riding with vigour over the closing stages of the race and because he made no attempt to straighten his horse he moved in on the horse on his inside which resulted in a concertina crowding of two other horses albeit after they had just passed the finish line. We believe the incident can be classed in the mid range. We have also noted the important comment of the Stipendiary Steward that the incident did not affect the outcome of the race. We have taken into account Mr Hurdle’s admittance of the breach and also that this is his fourth charge under this rule in the past 12 months although we also note the significant improvement in his riding record in 2011. Finally he Committee has reviewed the penalties given under this rule since the beginning of the current racing season.

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The Committee imposes a penalty of suspension from the close of racing on Sunday 23 October to the close of racing on Friday 28 October being four riding days.

hearing_type: Non-race day

Rules: 638(1)(d)

Informant: Mr N Goodwin - Stipendiary Steward

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PersonPresent: Mr P Hurdle - Employer of Mr RJ Hurdle

Respondent: Mr RJ Hurdle - Apprentice Jockey

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