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RESUMED INQUIRY IN RELATION TO NASH RAWILLER’S RIDING OF ANOTHER COGNAC AT ROYAL RANDWICK ON 4 MARCH 2023

Racing NSW Stewards continued an inquiry that was opened at Royal Randwick on Saturday, 4 March 2023 in relation to Nash Rawiller’s riding of Another Cognac in Race 5, Tokyo City Keiba Fireball Stakes.

Evidence was taken from N Rawiller and trainer of Another Cognac Mr Bryce Heys.

Stewards considered a written report from Mr Harrison Smithers, Racing New South Form & Betting Analyst, in relation to the wagering activity on the race which did not reveal any integrity concerns.

Stewards scrutinized the ride of N Rawiller in the home straight, particularly between the 300m and 200m and whether there was an opportunity for him to have directed Another Cognac to the outside of runners into clear running sooner than he did.

Stewards accepted the evidence of N Rawiller that in discussion with the connections of Another Cognac prior to the race they had agreed with his intention to seek runs closer to the inside as he felt that the horses racing towards the inside were being advantaged on that day.

N Rawiller gave further evidence that after initially intending to improve into an available run between Midnight In Tokyo and Nipotino in the early part of the straight he then had to identify another option to improve when Midnight In Tokyo commenced to shift away from the running rail near the 300m.

When questioned specifically whether he should have at this stage of the race immediately shifted across the heels of Nipotino in an endeavor to improve, N Rawiller stated that near the 250m when K McEvoy, the rider of Nipotino, commenced to shift out from behind Economics to follow Dashing Legend he briefly identified an opportunity may exist to improve into the run that was vacated by Nipotino.

He said however, a short distance later Midnight In Tokyo continued to shift out which closed this run at which stage he then commenced to direct Another Cognac out across the heels of both Nipotino and Willinga Beast from near the 200m with Another Cognac able to be fully tested from near the 150m.

N Rawiller was advised that whilst his riding between the 300m and 200m was of concern to Stewards, having regard to all of the evidence, they could not be comfortably satisfied that his riding was blameworthy to the extent that he should be charged with a breach of AR129(2) for having failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure his mount was given full opportunity to gain the best possible place in the field.

N Rawiller was, however, told to ensure that he rides his mounts with the necessary purpose and vigor and to endeavor to improve his position at the earliest opportunity, regardless of any preconceived views he may have as to where the best going exists.