News & Media

01 April 2011 Stewards’ Inquiry – Thoroughbreds

RWWA Stewards today concluded an inquiry into the reason why Apprentice Ned Coldbeck was dislodged from ZEDA MAK in Race 6 the Jandakot Accident Repair Centre Handicap (1203m) at the Pinjarra Race Club on Thursday, 10 March 2011. Evidence was taken today from Apprentice Coldbeck, Host Trainer Mr Stephen Rowe and Jockey Craig Staples (ST PIERRE).

Apprentice Coldbeck pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding under ARR 137(a) in that when riding ZEDA MAK, after being held up rounding the turn into the straight, he improved to the inside of ST PIERRE near the 300 metres and clipped the heels of LEICA JET (W Arnold). ZEDA MAK then blundered and fell.

Apprentice Coldbeck's permit to ride in races was suspended for a period of 20 days to expire on Thursday, 21 April 2011. A further inquiry was conducted into the condition of the Safety Vest worn by Apprentice Coldbeck in Race 6 the Jandakot Accident Repair Centre Handicap (1203m) at the Pinjarra Race Club on Thursday, 10 March 2011.

Apprentice Coldbeck pleaded guilty to charge under AR 118C(b) in that in the abovementioned race he did ride in an approved safety vest that had been modified.

In considering penalty Stewards took into account the following:

• Apprentice Coldbeck had knowingly modified the safety vest to obtain a weight advantage
• The occupational, health and safety ramifications of riding in the modified Safety Vest
• Apprentice Coldbeck's open and honest admissions given at the inquiry
• Apprentice Coldbeck's early guilty plea and remorse for his actions
• Apprentice Coldbeck is a second year apprentice jockey

Apprentice Coldbeck's permit to ride in races was suspended for a period of 2 calendar months. Stewards ruled that both suspensions be served concurrently and therefore will expire at midnight on Wednesday, 1 June 2011. Both these suspensions are effective immediately.

JOHN A. ZUCAL
RWWA Chairman of Stewards
From the office of the Chairman of Stewards
Racing and Wagering Western Australia
Stewards Division
70 Grandstand Road
Ascot WA 6104
Ph: (08) 9277 0777