RWWA Stewards today concluded the adjourned inquiry from Kalgoorlie on 15 August 2010, following the disqualification, pursuant to ARR.143(a), of BE SMART from second place in Race 1 the Liquor City Maiden (1400m) due to Apprentice Andrew Castle returning to scale in excess of 0.5kg below the allotted weight.
Following Apprentice A. Castle being charged on Saturday 15 August 2010, under ARR.143(b) for when riding BE SMART his actions subsequent to weighing out resulted in him returning to scale 0.6kg below his allotted weight of 57.0kg resulting in the disqualification of BE SMART the inquiry was adjourned at the request of Apprentice Castle to enable his Host Trainer Mr D. Harrison to attend.
At today’s resumed inquiry, following submissions from Mr D. Harrison and Apprentice Castle, the Stewards found that Apprentice Castle had weighed out at exactly the allotted weight and was subsequently said to have lost the 0.6kg due to a number of factors including perspiration, a toilet break and change of girth; circumstances all known to Apprentice Castle before the race. Under these circumstances Stewards found that it was the responsibility of the rider to take all reasonable steps to ensure they return to scale at the correct weight and consequently Apprentice Castle was found guilty as charged.
In the determination of penalty Stewards took into account:
- Seriousness of the offence in that a horse finishing 2nd had to be disqualified with the relevant consequences for connections and those who had wagered on the event.
- Apprentice Castle’s youth and relative inexperience and the impact of suspension on Apprentice Castle at this time.
- The upcoming Kalgoorlie Race round.
- The circumstances giving rise to the offence.
In all of the circumstances Apprentice Castle was suspended for a period of 18 days commencing midnight Sunday 22 August 2010 and expiring midnight Thursday 9 September 2010.
BRAD LEWIS
RWWA CHIEF STEWARD THOROUGHBREDS
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
