Avondale JC – 17 January 2009 – Race 7

Following race 7, an information was lodged pursuant to Rule 871(1)(d)when it was alleged by the informant, Stipendiary Steward Mr A R Coles, that Miss D Johnson, rider of ANUTHAHORSE committed a breach of that rule in that 150 metres after the start she shifted in when not clear, dictating WILL O’ THE WHISP and ALBERCHINO in on to ANCA who was dictated into the line of CROSS YOUR HEART (J Jago) who was checked.

Following race 7, an information was lodged pursuant to Rule 871(1)(d)when it was alleged by the informant, Stipendiary Steward Mr A R Coles, that Miss D Johnson, rider of ANUTHAHORSE committed a breach of that rule in that 150 metres after the start she shifted in when not clear, dictating WILL O’ THE WHISP and ALBERCHINO in on to ANCA who was dictated into the line of CROSS YOUR HEART (J Jago) who was checked.

Miss Johnson, who was represented by Mr S Lucock, did not admit the charge.

Mr W Robinson demonstrated the video he showed where, soon after the start, Miss Johnson, who had drawn an outside barrier, beginning to make an inward movement. When she reached a position with 4 horses on her inside she did not stop this movement.

Consequently Mr E Dalley was the first to receive pressure as he was forced on to Ms Thornton with subsequent pressure to Mr M Cameron and then Mr Jago, who had to check his mount. Mr Robinson said that Miss Johnson was no more than a ¾ length ahead of Mr Dalley.

Mr Lucock observed that the interference was fairly obvious, but asked if it had been caused by an over reaction by those inside Miss Johnson.

Mr Robinson replied that in his reading of the situation Miss Johnson had set up the problem.

Mr Dalley said that he received interference from Miss Johnson, who was only ½ - 1 length ahead of him. He said he had to turn his horse’s head in to avoid her heels.

Ms Thornton said she suffered tightening to her line of running. She had to take hold of her mount and had no option but to move inwards. At that stage there was calling from Mr Cameron and Mr Jago, but she could do nothing else.

Mr Cameron said he received pressure from Ms Thornton, but he knew that she was receiving pressure from the outside horses.

Mr Jago said that he had drawn No 1 at the barrier but after receiving pressure from the outside he had to check his mount out of the race. He confirmed that the riders were all calling for relief.

In summing up Mr Coles said that he was in no doubt that Miss Johnson had moved in when not clear of WILL O’ THE WHISP, who in turn was forced on to the inside runners.

Neither Miss Johnson nor Mr Lucock had anything to say in their defence.

DECISION: The committee agree with Mr Lucock’s first statement that it was fairly obvious that interference had taken place. It is in no doubt that this interference was caused by Miss Johnson continuing to move over and put outside pressure on Mr Dalley. Miss Johnson is therefore guilty as charged.

PENALTY: Mr Coles asked for a suspension. He said that Miss Johnson had a very good record, with 1 suspension on 19/10/08 being her only previous charge. He felt that, after taking into account mitigating circumstances, that a suspension of 4 days was justified.

Miss Johnson asked for any suspension to begin immediately. She said she had been contacted about riding at Gore, but did not have any immediate engagements.

Mr Coles said there were no confirmed fields released so she would not be breaking any engagements.

In coming to its decision on penalty the committee has considered: (1) the degree of interference; (2) Miss Johnson’s record; (3) Mr Coles’ support of mitigating circumstances.

The committee, after taking all matters into consideration, agrees that a suspension is appropriate. They are in no doubt that the offence deserves at least a 5 day suspension before mitigating circumstances are taken into account.

Miss Johnston is suspended from race riding from the conclusion of racing on 17.01.09 until the conclusion of racing on 23.01.09 (4 days).

D C Johnstone A Dooley

CHAIRMAN