Racing Rotorua – 13 February 2009 – Race 2

hearingid: ffcee3fc668cc335b15eeeec45f113ec

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hearing_racingtype: thoroughbred-racing

startdate: 13/02/2009

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hearing_title: Racing Rotorua - 13 February 2009 - Race 2

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Decision:

Following race 2 an information was filed pursuant to Rule 871(1)(d) when it was alleged by the informant, Stipendiary Steward Mr M Williamson, that A Calder, rider of CREDIT CRUNCH, committed a breach of that rule when he permitted his mount to shift inwards near the 600 metres when not sufficiently clear crowding RIO FORTUNE (M Walker) who was forced inwards causing a check to TRISTACAT (L Innes).

Mr Calder did not admit the charge.

Mr J Oatham demonstrated the video.  He showed the field as they rounded the turn into the straight.  Initially each horse had plenty of racing room, but as they progressed towards the 600 metre mark the positions became tighter and eventually Mr Innes, rider of TRISTACAT, had to check out of his rails running.

Mr Oatham also showed the side-on film which showed that Mr Calder was never clear of those on his inside.

Mr Williamson then called Mr M Coleman, rider of ICY BUBBLES, who was following M Walker.  He said that at the 600 metres he saw Mr Walker suffer tightening from the outside.  He was not sure if there was any from the inside, but was positive about the outside pressure.

Mr L Innes, rider of TRISTACAT, said he was on the inside of Mr Walker, and on the rails.  The position had been tight for 100 metres then it became too tight and he had to check out.  At the time he was approximately half length behind Mr Walker. 

Mr Calder asked Mr Innes if, because his horse was having its first start, the problem could have been caused by greenness.  Mr Innes said that if it wasn’t for the outside pressure he would have been okay.

Mr Walker, rider of RIO FORTUNE, said he was trying to hold his position but was receiving pressure from the outside.

In reply to a question from Mr Calder, Mr Walker said the horse was racing in blinkers because he had not been running straight at the trials. 

Mr Calder, in his defence, spent considerable time showing the videos.  His emphasis was that the horses were 2 year-olds and therefore all a bit green.  He also showed where, in his opinion, the videos were inconclusive and he must be given any benefit of the doubt.

In summing up Mr Williamson said that there was no doubt that Mr Calder was guilty as charged. 

DECISION:

The Committee reviewed all of the evidence, including the videos, and also noted that three of the most senior riders in New Zealand were unanimous that the pressure was from the outside.  Any doubt that there may have been, as claimed by Mr Calder, was neutralized by these riders clear evidence.

The Committee therefore found Mr Calder guilty as charged.

PENALTY:

Mr Williamson said Mr Calder’s record was a good one.  He asked for a suspension for an offence that was at the lower end of the scale.

Mr Calder asked for the delay in any suspension until after 20 February, but added that this minor offence could be dealt with by a fine.

The Committee after taking into account:

1.                  The grade of the offence.

2.                  Mr Calder’s good record

Suspend Mr Calder from race riding beginning from the conclusion of racing on 20 February until the conclusion of racing on 27 February 2009 (5 riding days).

D C Johnstone                                                            B Tims

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hearing_type: Old Hearing

Rules: 871.1.d

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