Reefton JC – 7 January 2009 – Race 4

Following the running of race four on the programme, an Information was lodged against jockey R Stam, the rider of Neat, alleging a breach of Rule 871(1)(d) in that, near the 700metre mark, he allowed his mount to shift inwards when not clear of Cotes Du Rhone

Following the running of race four on the programme, an Information was lodged against jockey R Stam, the rider of Neat, alleging a breach of Rule 871(1)(d) in that, near the 700metre mark, he allowed his mount to shift inwards when not clear of Cotes Du Rhone (M Carston), causing that horse to be hampered for several strides, eventually shifting out into the line of Oodles, which clipped a heel and dislodged its rider.

Mr Stam admitted the breach.

Explaining what occurred, Mr Ching invited stipendiary steward, Mr J McLaughlin, to refer to the videos of the race. He showed that, at about the 700metre mark, Mr Stam (on Neat) moved around the outside of Ms Carston (Cotes Du Rhone) and crossed to the rails when not clear to do so. He said that Ms Carston had to take hold of her mount and, as a result, Ms Tetzlaff, who was in behind on Oodles, clipped heels and was dislodged from her horse.

Mr Ching said that, in moving to the rail, Mr Stam was never clear, causing the interference which resulted in Ms Tetzlaff being dislodged.

In respect to penalty, he said that Mr Stam had 3 similar charges during the season, the most recent during the Cup carnival at Riccarton when he received a 6 day suspension. He considered this breach to be mid-range and, in advising that all riders had earlier been spoken to regarding exercising care on the course, he recommended a suspension of 4 to 6 days.

Mr Stam advised that he was riding at the course for the first time, having travelled south to ride Ms Middlewood’s team for the circuit, before returning to the Central Districts. In response to an indication that a suspension was appropriate, he sought a deferment until after the Greymouth meeting on 14 January. This was not opposed by the stewards.

Penalty:

In this case, Mr Stam appears on a breach of Rule 871(1)(d) in that he allowed his mount (Neat) to shift in when not clear to do so, causing interference which resulted in a trailing horse (Oodles) clipping heels, and dislodging its rider.

The circumstances have been explained, and the incident shown by video.

To Mr Stam’s credit, he admitted the breach but, whilst there was reference to the turning nature of the track and it was his first time on course, that is probably more reason for exercising due care. The aggravating features are Mr Stam’s history of 3 previous charges from a jockey who doesn’t ride as much these days, and the fact that a rider - Ms Tetzlaff - was dislodged but, fortunately, avoided injury.

Following submissions, we are satisfied a suspension is appropriate, and Mr Stam is suspended from the conclusion of racing on 14 January 2009 to up and including Thursday 29 January 2009, which includes the Wellington premier meeting.

P H Welch                                 P Rosanowski.

Chairman