Racing Tauranga – 24 November 2004 – Race 10

Following race 10 an information was lodged alleging careless riding (Rule 871(1)(d)). The charge alleges that M Coleman, rider of BRUSCHETTA (number 1), shifted inwards when not the required distance clear causing severe tightening to DANAZIRA (number 3) ridden by L Innes, TEXAS ridden by A Calder and MR SHINKO ridden by M Du Plessis.

Mr Coleman pleaded not guilty.

The informant called four witnesses ? Messrs T Treweek (Assistant Stipendiary Steward), M Du Plessis, A Calder and L Innes.

Mr Treweek gave evidence ? he stated that the defendant, Mr Coleman, rider of BRUSCHETTA moved inwards approximately 150 metres from the finish when not sufficiently clear which caused consequential severe tightening to DANAZIRA, TEXAS and MR SHINKO. Mr Treweek said that M Coleman's mount moved inwards 1? - 2 horse widths. Mr Treweek demonstrated the incident on the race videos head-on and side-on.

Mr Du Plessis said that he received significant pressure from the outside horse at about the 150 metre mark. He said he suffered severe tightening.

Mr Calder said at the 150 metre mark he received tightening/pressure from the outside horse ridden by Mr Innes.

Mr Innes said he suffered interference at the 150 metre mark. He said that there was pressure from the inside and outside. He said that he received pressure from the outside, Mr Coleman's mount, who was only ? of a length in front of him.

Mr Coleman gave evidence and demonstrated on the race video his interpretation of the incident. He said that there was movement from the inside horses outwards which caused his horse to roll inwards. He accepted that he was only ? of a length ahead of Mr Innes' mount.

After hearing all the evidence we prefer the informant's evidence. We find that Mr Coleman moved in when not sufficiently clear of the other runners. We find that this was careless riding in the circumstances.

We are satisfied that the charge of careless riding is made out.

PENALTY:

After hearing submissions on penalty from both Mr Oatham and Mr Coleman. We accept that a suspension must be imposed given the serious interference that occurred to the other runners.

Taking into account your good record and explanation we impose a suspension from the conclusion of racing on            27 November up to and including Sunday 5 December 2004,         4 days suspension.