N. Harris fined $400 for foul riding

Press, 16 November 1981, Page 29

N. Harris fined $400 for foul riding

PA Wellington Noel Harris was fined $4OO by the judicial committee of the Woodville District Jockey Club on Saturday after an incident in the Stewards’ Handicap, in which he rode Magic Spell. After the race, the apprentice Maree Lyndon, the rider of Noble Edition, reported to the stipendiary steward that about 200 m from the finish she was hit over the head by the whip of the rider on her inside.

Harris faced a charge of foul riding in that when he received a bump from Noble Edition, as both horses were endeavouring to improve into a gap, he allegedly made contact with Lyndon with his right arm. The committee heard from the stipendiary steward, both riders, and Bruce Marsh (Lyndon’s employer), and a video film was viewed several times. With reference to all the evidence, the committee determined the following. “Foul riding includes hitting or touching or making 'contact with another rider with the hand or the whip. It is clear Harris touched Lyndon either with his hand, whip or the heel of his whip — we could not tell, nor could Lyndon. “His motivation cannot be determined either from the -evidence we heard or from viewing the film. We do not know whether he touched her to retain his balance or in retaliation for her having taken what he considered to be his line. But he did touch her and to that extent the charge is proved. “The touching was ‘hardly felt,’ according to Lyndon. She ‘presumed’ it was with the whip but could not be certain. She claimed there was only one contact. Harris maintained that he touched her to retain his balance, yet it is the belief of this committee that he would probably not have fallen from his horse had he not touched her. “It was clear from the film that both riders were making for gap that was barely large enough for one horse, let alone two. Lyndon should consider herself fortunate that she was not charged with dangerous or careless riding. “It appeared that she took

his line, that he became unbalanced and her riding may well have constituted severe provocation. However, Harris should not have touched her in any way.” In determining the penalty, the committee heard further from the stipendiary steward and Harris. Having regard to the mitigating circumstances, the committee decided to impose a fine of 5400. Owing to the lengthy nature of the inquiry, there was insufficient time to recall Lyndon and Marsh to the judicial room. The matter, however, will be taken up by the stipendiary steward at the first available opportunity.