Thoroughbred Stewards Inquiry – Apprentice Jockey H Fitzgerald – Race 6: Kalgoorlie 30 October 2021
Racing and Wagering Western Australia stewards yesterday concluded the adjourned inquiry into the reasons for NEUROLOGIC falling shortly after the winning post, dislodging its rider Apprentice Jockey Ms Hannah Fitzgerald following the running of Race 6 at Kalgoorlie Boulder Race Club on Saturday 30 October 2021.
Evidence was taken from Apprentice Jockey Mr Jett Stanley rider of PROTECTED ACTION, accompanied by Co-Host Trainer Ms Alana Williams, a RWWA Jockey Coach, Jockey Ms Kate Witten, rider of SEMIGEL and attending Thoroughbred Steward Mr John Zucal, who gave evidence having viewed the incident live from the main stewards’ tower. Also in attendance was Mr Ron Fleming, RWWA Manager of Racing Industry Training.
The inquiry was also assisted by the available stewards’ patrol footage, including several angles viewed through the Hawkeye system, which enabled close examination of the incident.
Apprentice Stanley was subsequently found guilty to a charge of careless riding AR131(a) with the particulars of the charge being that after passing the winning post in Race 6 at Kalgoorlie on Saturday 30 October 2021 when riding PROTECTED ACTION he allowed that gelding to shift inwards when insufficiently clear of SEMIGEL (K Witten), causing that gelding to be crowded inwards and bump with NEUROLOGIC (H Fitzgerald) for a short distance resulting in that mare blundering and falling, causing Apprentice Hannah Fitzgerald to be dislodged approximately 50 metres after the winning post.
When considering the question of penalty, stewards considered:
- Apprentice Stanley’s relative inexperience, having had approximately 300 race rides.
- Apprentice Stanley’s record in relation to this rule.
- That the incident occurred shortly after the winning post.
- The degree of carelessness, which was deemed to be in the mid-range.
- The degree of interference, which was deemed to be in the high range, having caused a horse and rider to fall.
- The serious consequences that arose because of the fall.
Taking into consideration all matters, the stewards suspended Apprentice Jett Stanley’s permit to ride in races with immediate effect for a period of six (6) weeks commencing at midnight on 23 November 2021 and ceasing at midnight 4 January 2022. During this time and prior to him resuming riding in races, Apprentice Stanley is to attend the RWWA Riding Skills Panel for further tutelage.