Victorian appeal allowed
04 Jul 2012 | Racing Victoria Ltd The Victorian Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board on Wednesday on allowed an appeal by jockey Jack Hill over his recent suspension from Bendigo.
The appeal was heard before Judge Russell Lewis as chairman with Mr Des O’Keeffe appearing on behalf of Mr Hill and Mr Peter Ryan appearing on behalf of the RVL Stewards.
At an adjourned inquiry on Thursday, 28 June 2012, jockey Jack Hill was found guilty of a charge of careless riding. The charge relating to his ride on Shot of Laughter in Race 2 the Santons of Bendigo BM 72 Handicap (1100m) at Bendigo on Sunday, 17 June 2012.
The particulars being that near the 400-metre mark, Mr Hill permitted his mount to shift out to obtain a run when insufficiently clear of Lucky Thunder and in doing so tightened Lucky Thunder out on to Don’t Wake Me.
This resulted in Lucky Thunder clipping the heels of Shot Of Laughter and falling, whilst State of Elation, which was following, was brought down as a consequence.
Mr Hill had his licence to ride in races suspended for a period to commence at midnight on Thursday, 28 June 2012 and to expire at midnight on Monday, 23 July 2012 - a total of 25 meetings (7 metro, 18 country).
In assessing penalty Stewards took into account the incident resulted in a fall and Mr Hill’s good riding record.
A Notice of Appeal against the severity of the penalty was lodged on Sunday, 1 July 2012.
DECISION: Appeal allowed.
Penalty varied - the period of suspension to now expire at midnight on Thursday, 19 July 2012 – a total of 21 meetings.