Manawatu RC – 11 April 2008 – Race 2

hearingid: 22f2cab3e9afb1efcc49da2e196ef7f7

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hearing_racingtype: thoroughbred-racing

startdate: 11/04/2008

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hearing_title: Manawatu RC - 11 April 2008 - Race 2

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Following the running of Race 2 Ms. S.Spratt was charged with careless riding under Rule 871 (1) (d). The information alleged that Ms.Spratt being the rider of Triple Tipple allowed her mount to shift outwards causing a check to “Sooty Cat” (K.Myers) near the 350 metres.

Following the running of Race 2 Ms. S.Spratt was charged with careless riding under Rule 871 (1) (d). The information alleged that Ms.Spratt being the rider of Triple Tipple allowed her mount to shift outwards causing a check to “Sooty Cat” (K.Myers) near the 350 metres.

Ms Spratt admitted the breach and was represented by trainer Mr. Gary Vile.

Mr. Goodwin asked Mr. Davidson (Stipendiary Steward) to show the incident on the available videos. On rounding the bend for home Ms Spratt angled her mount outwards when not the required distance clear causing a check to Ms Kelly Myers riding Sooty Cat.

Mr.Goodwin said that Ms.Myers estimated that Ms.Spratt was only three-quarters of a length clear when she crossed and that she had called out to her. Ms Spratt confirmed that Ms Myers had called to her.

Ms Spratt told the committee that she decided to tack on behind Mr.Waddell’s mount as he moved forward. Whilst she was aware of Ms Myers position trailing Mr. Waddell she thought that there was enough room for her to come out and follow him  forward.

Mr. Goodwin produced Ms Spratt’s recent riding record which read:

- 11/8/07          Counties          3 days suspension

- 6/10/07          Hastings          4 days

- 27/12/07        Rotorua           4 days

- 23/1/08          Waikato           5 days

- 29/2/08          Canterbury      6 days

- 1/3/08            Auckland        10 days and $4000.00 fine

- 5/4/08            Te Aroha         1 month and $5000.00 fine

Mr. Goodwin said that while Ms. Spratt was currently the leading apprentice in New Zealand and does get a lot of rides she is acquiring an appalling record for careless riding. It was the Stipendiary Stewards’ opinion that the penalty in this instance should be a suspension of not less than ten days.

Ms.Spratt admitted that her record was not the greatest but felt that this incident was marginal. Mr. Goodwin was asked whether he agreed with that assessment. He said that while the actual check suffered by Ms Myers was not severe Ms. Spratt was only ¾ length clear and in his opinion that is only one “trip” away from a fall. He said that if Ms. Spratt continues to ride in this manner then it is inevitable that there will be a fall at some stage.

Mr. Vile asked the committee to take into account that Ms.Spratt pleaded guilty to the charge and that she has been upfront and honest with her submissions.

Decision

It was of huge concern to the committee that Ms.Spratt was facing another charge of careless riding. This is her 8^th charge in eight months with recent judicial committees also expressing serious concerns about her record.

The committee has taken into account all of the submissions put before it including her admittance of the breach.

Safety during races is of the utmost importance for the welfare of both horse and rider. Ms Spratt’s riding record suggests that she is not exercising due care at all times in all races. While this particular incident may not be at the upper end of seriousness it was the opinion of the committee that her repeat breaches of the rule call for a substantial suspension.

Ms Spratt is suspended from riding from the conclusion of racing on Thursday13th May until the conclusion of racing on Wednesday June 4^th – three weeks.

N.Moffatt                                                                                                     P.Williams

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hearing_type: Old Hearing

Rules: 871.1.d

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