Racing Victoria (RV) Stewards have concluded their inquiry into the ride of licensed jockey Jason Maskiell aboard My Schieller Wood in Race 4, the Insuremyfleet Maiden Plate over 1600 metres, at Seymour racecourse (the Race) on Friday, 15 November 2024.
The Horse was placed 12th out of 13 starters and was ultimately beaten by 25.55 lengths.
After obtaining evidence from all relevant persons, the Stewards have issued one charge under AR 129(1) and one charge (alternative to Charge 1) under AR 129(2) which state:
AR 129 Running and handling
(1) Every rider must ride his or her horse on its merits
(2) A rider must take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to ensure that the rider’s horse is given full opportunity to win or to obtain the best possible place in the field.
The particulars of Charge 1 – AR129(1) - are summarised as follows:
- During the Race, Mr Maskiell failed to ride his mount on its merits, in that:
a. From approaching the 300m until approximately the 250m, he restrained My Schieller Wood and failed to improve his mount's position between Just Riff Raff and Vidocq, when there was an opportunity to do so; and/or
b. From approximately the 250m until approaching the 150m, he restrained My Schieller Wood and failed to improve his mount's position when there was an opportunity to do so; and/or
c. After Frontline Action shifted out in advance of his mount at approximately the 150m, he continued to restrain My Schieller Wood for the remainder of the race and failed to improve his mount's position when there was an opportunity to do so.
- Mr Maskiell’s actions resulted in My Schieller Wood not being ridden on its merits.
The particulars of Charge 2 (alternative to Charge 1) – AR129(2) - are summarised as follows:
- During the Race, Mr Maskiell failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure that My Schieller Wood was given full opportunity to win or obtain the best possible place in the field, in that:
a. From approaching the 300m until approximately the 250m, he restrained My Schieller Wood and failed to improve his mount's position between Just Riff Raff and Vidocq where there was an opportunity, and it was reasonable and permissible to do so; and/or
b. From approximately the 250m until approaching the 150m, he restrained My Schieller Wood and failed to improve his mount's position where there was an opportunity, and it was reasonable and permissible to do so; and/or
c. After Frontline Action shifted out in advance of his mount at approximately the 150m, he continued to restrain My Schieller Wood for the remainder of the race and failed to improve his mount's position when there was an opportunity, and it was reasonable and permissible to do so.
- Mr Maskiell’s actions resulted in My Schieller Wood not being given the full opportunity to win or to obtain the best possible place in the field.
The charges will be heard before the Victorian Racing Tribunal on a date to be fixed.
ENDS.
Notes to Editors
Under the Rules of Racing, AR129(1) and (2) are classified as Serious Offences of which there is no mandatory minimum penalty.
Section 50O of the Racing Act 1958 (the Racing Act) mandates that if a person has been charged with a Serious Offence, the Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT) must hear and determine the matter.
As a result, it is not possible for the Stewards to hear and determine this matter.