Racing Victoria’s Executive General Manager of Integrity Services, Jamie Stier, has provided clarification on the recently issued show-cause notices concerning the rides of apprentice Wiremu Pinn. The notices were sent to the connections of 29 horses ridden by Pinn over a 17-day period in late May and early June, where Pinn rode with an incorrect weight allowance.
Stier clarified on RSN927 that the move was not accusatory but rather a crucial step in the procedural process to assist stewards in determining the final outcome of the races in question. He noted that while the rules suggest the horses may be disqualified, this is not a certainty, and the stewards’ discretion is involved.
He emphasized that the process is in no way implicating the owners but rather ensuring the fairness of the process. He stated, “No one that I am aware of is suggesting it is the owners’ fault at all, but it is a procedural matter and it’s the correct process to be undertaken.”
Stier confirmed that the next step lies with the stewards, who will decide whether or not disqualifications are warranted. Should they proceed, this will conclude the stewards’ involvement, with any next steps, including decisions regarding prizemoney, falling to the broader RV body and specifically the RV board.
In highlighting that this isn’t the first occurrence of apprentices claiming incorrect allowances, Stier remarked on the unique scale of this situation due to the number of races involved. He assured that the stewards would arrive at a decision deemed appropriate and fair to all parties involved – both those connected to the horses ridden by Pinn and those who finished behind them.
