Wellington RC – 24 January 2009 – Race 8

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hearing_racingtype: thoroughbred-racing

startdate: 24/01/2009

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hearing_title: Wellington RC - 24 January 2009 - Race 8

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Decision:

Following the running of the Century City Developments Wellington Cup Mr T Sasada, rider of CONQUISTADOR, admitted a charge of careless riding under rule 871(1)(d).

Following the running of the Century City Developments Wellington Cup Mr T Sasada, rider of CONQUISTADOR, admitted a charge of careless riding under rule 871(1)(d).

Mr J Oatham, acting Chief Stipendiary Steward, used the rear head and side on videos of the field passing the 1900 metres point to show Mr Sasada positioned four horse widths off the fence and looking for cover in the one out line.  Mr Sasada looks several times inside him for a gap and eventually shifts in ahead of GENUINE OFFER (N Harris) when insufficiently clear of that runner.  GENUINE OFFER is severely checked and moves in to avoid heels causing WILLY SMITH (H Tinsley) to cannon into the fence, nearly fall, and dislodge a large section of the running rail.  WILLY SMITH suffered lacerations to its legs and was effectively put out of the race.

On the issue of penalty Mr Oatham advised that Mr Sasada had had two previous charges under this rule this season.  He submitted that the carelessness on this occasion was at the top end and that the penalty must reflect the Group II status of the race, the stake being $350,000.  He believed a suspension of at least a month and a substantial fine was warranted.

Mr Sasada was particularly rueful about the quality of his ride and acknowledged that he needed to be more patient in future.  He offered no comment on penalty.

We consider the degree of carelessness displayed by Mr Sasada to be most certainly at the top end of the scale.  His decision to move in when he did is unfathomable.  Two horses were severely checked and one was effectively put out of the race.  There is little mitigation to be found in Mr Sasada’s record.  It is appropriate that in setting penalty the status of the race be taken into account and that any penalty reflect the range of penalties imposed in similar cases in recent months.

Some credit is due to Mr Sasada for his obvious contrition and the forthright manner in which he acknowledged culpability but that pales alongside his lamentable horsemanship.

We believe it warrants a substantial term of suspension and a fine.

Mr Sasada is therefore suspended for five weeks from the close of racing on 24 January 2009 until the close of racing on 27 February 2009 and fined the sum of $3000.

Neville Harris

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hearing_type: Old Hearing

Rules: 871.1.d

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raceid: c0cb5d86ad91f3fcb8e5ced32da25205

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race_title: Race 8

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meetdate: 24/01/2009

meet_title: Wellington RC - 24 January 2009

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tracklocation: wellington-rc

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name: Wellington RC