Adjourned Inquiry J Waddell

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startdate: 01/01/2001

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hearing_title: Adjourned Inquiry J Waddell

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Information 0459 alleged a breach of Rule 304 in that apprentice jockey J Waddell misconducted himself after the winning post in that he deliberately directed his mount NATURO inward on to IMANANABAA (C Lammas) forcing that runner down toward the running rail causing the rider to take evasive action.  The information was originally filed during the racemeeting on 1 April 2006 and adjourned to Tuesday, 18 April 2006, at Te Rapa

DECISION & REASON:

Information 0459 alleged a breach of Rule 304 in that apprentice jockey J Waddell misconducted himself after the winning post in that he deliberately directed his mount NATURO inward on to IMANANABAA (C Lammas) forcing that runner down toward the running rail causing the rider to take evasive action.  The information was originally filed during the racemeeting on 1 April 2006 and adjourned to Tuesday, 18 April 2006, at Te Rapa

The breach was admitted and apprentice jockey J Waddell was represented by his employer, Mr J Sargent.  Also present at the hearing were Stipendiary Stewards N Goodwin and J Oatham. 

Mr Goodwin presented a transcript of an interview between Mr McCutcheon and apprentice jockey C Lammas setting out details of the incident following the running of the race.  He also demonstrated the incident on video including other incidents during the running of the race leading up to the incident itself after the finish of the race.  He pointed out from the videos how Mr Waddell had at the finish of the race come from a position four horse widths out to catch up with Mr Lammas and contact was made on 3 occasions carrying Mr Lammas and his mount towards the running rail. 

Mr Waddell stated to the Committee that he believed the incidents during the running of the race had cost him a winning ride in a group one race, namely the Sires Produce Stakes.  He had been a kilo under his normal weight to make the ride and his actions were prompted by comments Mr Lammas had made to him at the finish and he now regretted his reaction, but asked the Committee to take into account the pressure he was under.  

Mr Sargent asked the Committee to note Mr Waddell's good record, that he was a promising young rider and this incident was right out of character, and he had a bright future and would be shortly finishing his time as an apprentice.  He had been wasting hard and it had to be recognized that this would knock him about, but having said that he realized it was something he should not have done. 

Mr Goodwin said there was no place for retaliation, the action was unnecessary and both horses and riders were put in jeopardy by Mr Waddell's actions.  Accepting that he was a talented rider with a bright future in racing the incident nevertheless called for a suspension, and he felt that a month would be an appropriate penalty.  Mr Waddell had a good riding record, with only one incident of misconduct in Singapore in July 2005 for which he had been suspended for 2 months.  Mr Waddell confirmed the incident, but asked the Committee to note that it was an off-track situation and in 4? years of riding there had been no other incidents of this nature. 

PENALTY:

The Committee has taken into consideration what Mr Waddell and Mr Sargent have said, and it accepts he is entitled to the benefit of some mitigating circumstances in this matter.  It is also to his credit that he admitted the breach and it is recognised he has a future as a promising rider. 

The issue of provocation has been mentioned, but there is no place in racing for reactions such as this, especially in this instance where a group race was involved.  In fixing penalty there will be a period of suspension, but allowance will be made for the above mitigating circumstances.  The serious nature can be balanced by adding a monetary penalty. 

Accordingly the Committee imposes a period of suspension from after racing on 19 April 2006 to the conclusion of racing on 7 May 2006, a period which is just under 3 weeks involving 8 racedays including 3 South Island meetings.  A fine of $500 is also imposed plus costs of $250 to NZTR and $250 to the JCA.

E Doherty                                           R Seabrook

CHAIRMAN

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