Kumara RC 7 January 2023 – R 9 – Request for Ruling – DEGREEOFINNOCENCE

ID: RIB14010

Respondent(s):
Brandon May - Jockey

Applicant:
Chief RIB Steward, Mr John Oatham

Adjudicators:
Mr D Anderson

Persons Present:
Mr Oatham and RIB Stewards Mr Mark Davidson and Ms Veronica Algar

Information Number:
A16757

Decision Type:
Request for Ruling

Rule(s):
632(1) - Riding/driving infringement

Request for Ruling:
Whether DEGREEOFINNOCENCE was denied a fair start

Animal Name:
DEGREEOFINNOCENCE

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
07/01/2023

Race Club:
Kumara Racing Club

Race Location:
Kumara Racecourse - Otira Highway, Kumara, 7832

Race Number:
R9

Hearing Date:
07/01/2023

Hearing Location:
Kumara Racecourse

Outcome: Determination

Penalty: DEGREEOFINNOCENCE declared to be a non-runner

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 9 an Information by way of a Request for a Ruling was presented by Chief RIB Steward, Mr John Oatham. The request in relation to the Rule 632(1) was whether number 10, DEGREEOFINNONCENCE, drawn 5, was denied a fair start due to a barrier malfunction.

Mr Oatham had a freeze frame on the TV monitor of the start of the race showing all the gates open apart from barrier 5 which was fully closed. Mr Oatham played every angle which showed DEGREEOFINNOCENCE beginning from the barrier approximately a length behind the field.

Mr Oatham had Mr May the rider of DEGREEOFINNOCENCE give his version of events. Mr May said as the barriers released, he pushed forward but his horse balked and he was behind the field as he jumped.

DECISION:

It was evident that Gate 5 was slow to open and obvious that DEGREEOFINNOCENCE was denied a fair start.

CONCLUSION:

After considering all the submissions the Adjudicative Committee declared DEGREEOFINNOCENCE a non-runner with all investments surrounding the horse to be refunded.

Decision Date: 07/01/2023

Publish Date: 12/01/2023