Racing Victoria (RV) stewards today concluded an inquiry in relation to the riding tactics adopted by apprentice Talia Rodder on Serene Tanie in the Corporate Interiors Australia Handicap (1500m) at Moonee Valley last Saturday, 19 November.

Ms Rodder was found guilty of a charge under the provisions of AR135 (b) which states;

‘The rider of every horse shall take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout the race to ensure that his or her horse is given full opportunity to win or obtain the best possible place in the field.’

Stewards today took evidence from Peter Jurkovsky, on behalf of Ms Rodder, as well as further evidence from the trainer of Serene Tanie, Robbie Laing, and from RV form analyst, Andre Kassay, concerning the sectional times of the race.

The particulars of charge are that after having asked her mount to do significant work in the early stages to take up a forward position, that between the 1100 metres and the 800 metres, Ms Rodder failed to make sufficient effort to restrain her mount during that point of the race.

Also from the 800 metres, Ms Rodder then allowed her mount to stride forward and passing the 600 metres, Ms Rodder placed her mount under further pressure by riding it along.

The stewards noted that the first 1200 metres of a 1500 metre race was run quicker than the following race (Race 4) which was a 1200 metre event.

The stewards were also of the view that there was insufficient evidence to suggest that there had been any collusion by Mr Laing to give instructions to Ms Rodder in a manner that may have benefited the chance of his other runner in the race, that being Maquina, which was declared the winner. Therefore no further action was taken against Mr Laing.

Ms Rodder had her licence to ride in races suspended for a period of six weeks to commence at midnight on 28 November 2011 and to expire at midnight on 9 January 2012.

On her Facebook page Rodder said: “will appeal, and see what then”. She told J-Wire: “At this stage I prefer not to coment until the matter is finished as have been advised by my lawyer.”