Hawkes Bay RI – 2 October 2004 – Race 3

Following Race 3 Mr L Innes, the rider of BRAVE REGENT was charged under Rule 871(1)(d) when it was alleged by Mr LN McCutcheon that Mr Innes allowed his mount to shift in when not clear of GOODGOLLYMISSMOLLY (A Peard) resulting in that runner clipping a heel near the 1200 mark. Mr Innes did not admit the breach of the rule.

Mr Peard said he was one off the fence when Mr Innes went forward and past. He said he let him drop in but he was only one length clear which caused his mount to clip heels.

Mr Bateup demonstrated both video films and showed where Mr Innes allowed his mount BRAVE REGENT to shift in approximately one horses width when only one length clear of Mr Peard's mount GOOD GOLLYMISSMOLLY. This interference resulted in Mr Peard's mount clipping heels and nearly falling.

Mr Innes, rider of BRAVE REGENT, said in his evidence, that he came from the outside gate, glanced inside and saw Mr Peard who was easing back. He thought he was clear of Mr Peard and it was just one of those things.

Mr McCutcheon said Mr Innes crossed when only one length clear and it was no accident.

The committee carefully considered all evidence and repeated viewing of the video films. We prefer the evidence of Mr Bateup and Mr McCutcheon as the films clearly show that Mr Innes crossed over into the line of Mr Peard when only one length clear of that horse. He moved approximately one horse's width in doing so and not the required distance clear. Accordingly we find Mr Innes guilty as charged.

Mr McCutcheon said as a result of Mr Innes moving in when not the required distance clear Mr Peard nearly fell. He believed the correct penalty was a suspension.

He produced Mr Innes' record which showed 3 suspensions under this rule since April ? 3/6/04 3 days, 28/7/04 4 days, 24/4/04 4 days.

Mr Innes said he was riding ST REIMS in Australia next Saturday and could we take this into account.

The committee considered all submissions and has taken into account Mr Innes' request. However, we agree a suspension is necessary and in imposing this suspension take into account Mr Innes' record and the fact that he is missing the ride on ST REIMS in Melbourne.

Accordingly, we suspend Mr Innes from riding from after the conclusion of racing on the 6^th October 2004, until after the conclusion of racing on the 13^th October 2004.