Oamaru JC – 31 July 2005 – Race 9

The hearing is opened by Glen Acklin race day appointed Chairman for the JCA. To hear a breach of the rules under information no: 0065.

The persons in the room are asked to identify themselves for the tape.

J C Bates (jockey), S C Ching (stipendiary steward), J L Eagles (jca)

G R Acklin (jca), A Belcher (trainee jca )

Chairman reads from the information. " J C Bates (LE COUNT) allowed his mount to shift inwards when not sufficiently clear, causing JAMES MY NAME (J C Bullard) to check with approx 800 metres to run."

Mr Ching is asked to read the rule.

The Chairman ask's Mr Bates if he understands the rule and admit the plea, of which Mr Bates replies Yes.

Mr Ching then proceeds to run the film of the interference.

Mr Ching points out that Mr Bates in the black and white colours, immediately on his inside is the grey horse Mr Bullards, as you will see Mr bates comes ahead of Mr Bullard on the outside and when he comes to slot in front of Mr Bullard's horse there isn?t enough room to do so which causes Mr Bullard to check his mount. Mr Bates cut in quite fine which made Mr Bullard have to react by having to grab his mount up.

Mr Bates is asked to run the panel thru the tape.

Mr Bates said he was riding LE COUNT 65 stats in all, said he was going up onto Lisa (L Cropp) on MR SHINKO when Jamie (JS Bullard) gave me yell and LE COUNT being the old dodger he is, he has just ducked in on me. I know I have done it, but I hadn?t intended to go the rail when Jamie gave me a yell to let me know he was there. It was more of a reaction to the movement of the horse rather than an intended move, but the damage was done and it is my responsibility to keep my horse clear.

With no more evidence to be added we move on to submissions to penalty from the Stipendiary.

Mr Ching goes on to inform the panel that Mr Bates has a very good record and that in the last 12 months Mr Bates has only been before the Judicial panel once under this rule and that was in January this year at Reefton and on that occasion he was fined $250 for careless riding. I think credit should be taken for his guilty plea and good riding record. The Stewards believe that this is at the lower end of the scale and a fine would be sufficient on this occasion and a fine in the same region of the previous monetary value would be appropriate.

Mr Bates is asked for his thoughts on penalty and asks if we would take into account the new season and that the next meting coming up is that of cup week.

Asked if anyone has anything to add, we adjourned to discuss penalty.

Decision.

Reconvened to hear penalty on information 0065 we do agree Mr Bates that you have allowed your mount to shift inwards while not sufficiently clear, causing JAMESMYNAME ridden by Mr JC Bullard to check and have to pull his horse, we have had a look at the tape and believe there was no intention or malice, we do believe your horse stepped a bit but in saying so you did allow your horse to cut of or move in front of Mr Bullard.

We have discussed and taken into account your good riding record, your early admission of guilt.