"That's Bullshit" according to Pitty!

[Chief Stipe]

Canterbury Racing-11 April 2026- Race 1-Michael Pitman

ID: RIB65759

Respondent(s):
Michael Ronald Pitman

Applicant:
John Oatham-Chief Stipendiary Steward

Persons Present:
John Oatham-Chief Stipendiary Steward, Michael Pitman-Licensed Trainer, Rebecca Haley-Stipendiary Steward, Veronica Fisher-Stipendiary, Jim Langan-Racing Manager

Information Number:
A20488

Decision Type:
Other

Charge:
Misconduct

Rule(s):
800 - Misconduct - Misconduct

Stewards Report

Results

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
11/04/2026

Race Club:
Canterbury Jockey Club

Race Location:
Riccarton Park - 165 Racecourse Road, Christchurch,

Race Number:
R1

Hearing Date:
11/04/2026

Hearing Location:
Riccarton Park

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Mr Pitman is fined the sum of $500

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 1, an Information was lodged alleging a breach of Rule 800 (1), ” in that Licensed Trainer Michael Pitman misconducted himself in a manner in comments made publicly regarding the protest in the race.”

Rule 800 (1) provides that: A Licensed Person, Owner, lessee, Racing Manager, Official or other person bound by these
Rules must not misconduct themself in any matter relating to the conduct of Races or racing.

Mr Pitman confirmed to the Adjudicative Committee that he understood the Rule and that he did not admit the breach.

Mr Oatham said that at the protest hearing in Race 1, Mr  Pitman made what he considered to be derogatory comments at the conclusion of his submission by saying “That’s no surprise”, which Mr Oatham interpreted as being directed at him. When leaving the judicial room and then outside the judicial room Mr Pitman, he said, carried on by using the words ” That’s Bullshit” on several occasions in a public forum, with numerous witnesses including Stipendiary Stewards, Rebeccaa Haley, Veronica Fisher and Jim Langan, Raceday Manager. Mr Oatham added that Mr Pitmans’ comments showed a total lack of respect for the Stewards position and the duties that they carry out. He said that Mr Pitman’s comments were totally unacceptable.

Stipendiary Steward Rebecca Haley gave evidence that on leaving the room she heard Mr Pitman say ” This is Bullshit” and believed that it was directed at Mr Oatham as he was the last person to give evidence in the protest.

Stipendiary Steward Veronica Fisher gave evidence that when exiting the room with Jim Langan, Dean McGregor, Mr Pitman, Mr Oatham and other participants she heard Mr Pitman state that “This is Bullshit” and took that it was directed at Mr Oatham’s submissions on the Protest and was not happy with the evidence that Mr Oatham had given.

Racing Manager Jim Langan gave evidence and recalled that after Mr Oatham gave evidence, Mr Pitman was not happy with  Mr Oatham’s submissions on the protest. When outside the room, despite being told to cease by Mr Oatham, carried on making comments using the word “Bullshit” . Mr Langan was in no doubt that the comments were directed at Mr Oatham.

Mr Pitman, in defense, stated that he was not talking about Mr Oatham’s submissions, but about Mr Balloo’s evidence, about being 4 wide when he was 10 wide just after turning for home, which he said was bullshit. He said that he was talking to his brother outside the room, and stating “That’s Bullshit”.

Mr Pitman reiterated that he was not directing his comments outside the room on Mr Oatham’s submissions, but speaking to his brother about Mr Balloo’s evidence which he believed was bullshit.

Decision:

The Adjudicative Committee is satisfied that following submissions by all parties in the protest after Race 1, Mr Oatham, as officiating Stipendiary Steward was asked for his interpretation of the incident. Mr Oatham, at the end of his submission stated that the Stewards did not support the protest. This seemed to upset Mr Pitman, who said on several occasions, on leaving the room and outside in a public forum, “This is Bullshit” for all outside the room to hear. The Committee heard from three credible witnesses, two Stipendiary Stewards and Racing Manager Jim Langan, who all were of the opinion that Mr Pitman’s tirade was directed at Mr Oatham. Mr Langan was a very credible witness who was certain that Mr Pitman was directed his words “That’s Bullshit” towards Mr Oatham.

This Committee finds that Mr Pitman has misconducted himself by calling out “That’s Bullshit” on several  occasions, for all to hear, in a public forum and are satisfied that the words were directed at Mr Oatham. However, whether or not it was directed at Mr Oatham, the Judicial system or anyone else party to the protest, is irrelevant. This sort of behaviour is unacceptable, unprofessional and unwarranted.

The Committee therefore finds the charge proved.

Submissions for Penalty:

Mr Oatham stated that Mr Pitman had a previous breach for misconduct in 2004 where he was fined $300. He was also sent in 2021 a formal letter of warning about the manner in which he conducted himself by NZTR.

Mr Oatham said that previous similar breaches where inappropriate language was used, had been dealt with by way of a $500 or thereabouts fine. for a first offence.

He submitted that a fine consistent with the historic penalties be considered.

Mr Pitman stated that he did not receive a letter of warning from NZTR in 2021. He added that it was not appropriate without a warning to charge him.

Reasons for Penalty:

There is no starting point for breaches of Rule 800 with the Penalty Guide stipulating that each charge of misconduct is fact dependent. After research of similar offences where derogatory language was used, fines were imposed from $500 to $1200, this being for a second offence. The majority are dealt with by way of a $500 fine.

The Committee has determined that for the sake of consistency, a fine of $500 is an appropriate penalty in this case.

Conclusion:

Mr Pitman is fined the sum of $500.

Decision Date: 11/04/2026

Publish Date: 14/04/2026

[Murray Fish]

4 hours ago, Chief Stipe said:

about Mr Balloo’s evidence, about being 4 wide when he was 10 wide just after turning for home, which he said was bullshit. He said that he was talking to his brother outside the room, and stating “That’s Bullshit”.

The Winner did look to run about a bit!  looked to have given SoW a decent nudge! Brother of course being the Owner of SoW.  Loves a Punt too,,,

[Murray Fish]

DAKOTA (A Balloo) - Slow to begin. Lay inwards under pressure in the straight coming together with STUDENT OF WAR near the 200 metres and again near the 125 metres, continuing to bump with that runner for a distance before becoming unbalanced near the 75 metres and being corrected by its rider.

[Murray Fish]

STUDENT OF WAR (M Cartwright) - Came together with DAKOTA when both runners shifted ground near the 200 metres. Lay outwards under pressure again making contact with DAKOTA near the 125 metres and continuing to come together with that runner for a distance.

[sarge]

On the second tee on Sunday at Augusta, Sergio Garcia smashed his driver and destroyed both the tee marker and his driver. He played the remainder of his round with a 3 wood.

Get a life Stipes - Sergio loses it at times and so does Michael - both passionate people who are passionate about what they do.

Absolute pettiness.

[Newmarket]

Thats Bullshit? Really, seems nonsense. I thought Student Of Way should have been promoted considering small margin. Was a time when enquiries resulted in changed results, seems very hard now. 

[hesi]

Regardless of the issues, there does seem to be a theme in NZ racing that it is okay to be personally abusive towards people, particularly on social media

[Chief Stipe]

16 minutes ago, hesi said:

Regardless of the issues, there does seem to be a theme in NZ racing that it is okay to be personally abusive towards people, particularly on social media

Yes and although Pitty is likely right about the decision he does have birdcage form for abusing people.

[Chief Stipe]

11 hours ago, sarge said:

Get a life Stipes - Sergio loses it at times and so does Michael - both passionate people who are passionate about what they do.

But surely there is a difference between Sergio yelling at the trees and golf club abuse compared to publicly abusing a Stipe even if it wad a bit tame.  Remember Pitty publicly tore a strip off a Jockey not too long ago.

[Chief Stipe]

Why doesn't Racing have an appeal system like they do in other sports?  For example a decision is made on the day allowing bets to be paid put but Trainers/Owners deem the decision was egregious and appeal and another hearing can be held not constrained by time.  There would be cost involved that would make lower grade appeals probably prohibitive but wouldn't it be fairer?  

[Huey]

Why hasn't this taken 12 months to sort out?

Cmon RIB be consistent that's all we are asking for!

[Chief Stipe]

Canterbury Racing-April 2026-Race 1-DAKOTA-Instigating a Protest

ID: RIB65757

Respondent(s):

Dean Ray MacGregor

Applicant:

Matt Cartwright-Class A Rider

Adjudicators:

Mr S Ching (Chair) and Mr D Anderson

Persons Present:

John Oatham-Chief Stipendiary Steward, Matt Cartwright-Class A Rider, Michael Pitman-Licensed Trainer, Akshay Balloo-Class A Rider, Dean MacGregor-Licensed Trainer

Information Number:

A20487

Decision Type:

Protest

Rule(s):

642(1) - Riding/driving infringement - Protest

Plea:

Contested

Protest:

2nd placed STUDENT OF WAR against 1st placed DAKOTA

Stewards Report

Results

Animal Name:

DAKOTA

Code:

Thoroughbred

Race Date:

11/04/2026

Race Club:

Canterbury Jockey Club

Race Location:

Riccarton Park - 165 Racecourse Road, Christchurch,

Race Number:

R1

Hearing Date:

11/04/2026

Hearing Location:

Riccarton Park, Christchurch

Outcome: Protest Dismissed

Penalty: Protest dismissed

Evidence

Following the running of Race number 1, an Information was filed Instigating a Protest pursuant to Rule 642(1). The Applicant Class A Rider Matt Cartwright, Rider of 2nd placed STUDENT OF WAR, alleged that horse number 13 DAKOTA placed 1st by the Judge, interfered with the chances of horse number 7 STUDENT OF WAR placed 2nd by the Judge.https://bitofayarn.com

The interference was alleged to have occurred in the final straight.

The Judge’s provisional placings were as follows:

1st No.13 DAKOTA

2nd No.7 STUDENT OF WAR

3rd No. 15 TINUVIEL

4th No.4 LEONARD

The official margin between 1st and 2nd was a head.

Rule 642(1) provides:

“If a placed horse or its Rider causes interference within the meaning of this Rule 642 to another placed horse, and the Adjudicative Committee is of the opinion that the horse so interfered with would have finished ahead of the first mentioned horse had such interference not occurred, they may place the first mentioned horse immediately after the horse interfered with”.https://bitofayarn.com

Submissions For Decision

Prior to hearing submissions from the respective parties, the Adjudicative Committee requested that Stewards show all available race films of the alleged interference and identify the runners. The replays, including head on, side on and 600m cameras, showed 1st placed DAKOTA, ridden by Akshay Balloo, under a ride shifting inwards near the 200m and make contact with 2nd placed STUDENT OF WAR, ridden by Matt Cartwright, who was looking to come out in search of clear running. The films showed two further points of contact between both horses over the concluding stages.

The Applicant Class A Rider Matt Cartwright, rider of STUDENT OF WAR, stated that his mount was contacted 3 times over the concluding stages. He said the first point of contact has cost him momentum, the second point of contact was the most costly as he had just got his momentum back after the first contact was made with the next point of contact also costing his horse.https://bitofayarn.com

The Trainer of STUDENT OF WAR, Michael Pitman, stated that DAKOTA had shifted in from wide on the track and made contact with STUDENT OF WAR which cost the horse at least 1/2 a length, the second point of contact also cost his horse again with the third contact also costing STUDENT OF WAR. With the margin being only a head he had no doubt that with a clear run his horse would have beaten the winner DAKOTA.

The Rider of DAKOTA, Akshay Balloo stated that he accepts that he shifted in from wide on the track with his horse racing greenly but he stated he did straighten up his mount after contact was made. He said that STUDENT OF WAR then kept bouncing into him and pushing him off his line of running over the concluding stages. Mr Balloo stated that Mr Cartwright did not stop riding his horse out over the concluding stages but he had to stop riding and straighten his mount on two occasions over the final stages of the race. He added that he did not believe that STUDENT OF WAR would have beaten him if both horses had had clear runs to the post.https://bitofayarn.com

The Respondent Trainer Dean MacGregor stated that the replays showed Mr Cartwright, use the whip in the left hand and has moved out 2 horse widths when contact was made. He said that STUDENT OF WAR then lay in to DAKOTA and in his opinion, Mr Cartwright, should have straightened his mount. Mr MacGregor stated that from then on DAKOTA has maintained s straight line and STUDENT OF WAR has continued to shift outwards making contact again and from there on both horses have clear runs to the post. He added that this was a pretty weak protest and that Mr Cartwright has never stopped riding his horse out. Mr MacGregor stated that he could not see a change of placings in this protest.

Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr Oatham outlined the Stewards’ interpretation of the alleged interference. He said there are 3 points of contact, the first being near the 200m, where the Stewards believe that both horses have shifted ground and come together. The second point of contact would appear to come mainly from a shift by STUDENT OF WAR with both horses coming together for a distance, with the final point of contact near the 75m, he said. Mr Oatham added that the last point of contact was DAKOTA shifting in but it appears that DAKOTA comes off the worse from that contact. From that point on. he said, both horses have a fair run to the line. In the Stewards view, Mr Oatham said, they would not support the protest.

Reasons For Decisionhttps://bitofayarn.com

In accordance with the requirements of the Protest Rule the Adjudicative Committee must firstly establish that interference occurred; and secondly, if interference is established, the horse interfered with would have beaten the other runner, had such interference not occurred.

After hearing submissions and reviewing the video footage the Adjudicative Committee established that there was contact between both runners at the 200m and during the run to the post until near the 75 metres. The Committee was satisfied that DAKOTA had shifted in and made contact with STUDENT OF WAR who at the same time was shifting out to obtain clear running with both horses contributing to this incident. We were satisfied that the second point of contact was made due to a shift outwards by STUDENT OF WAR. There after both horses came together over a distance before the 3rd point of contact where DAKOTA shifts inwards and makes contact with STUDENT OF WAR, although DAKOTA seems to be affected the most by this point of contact.

The Adjudicative Committee is satisfied that interference did occur by both runners, however having considered the degree and nature of the interference, the way both horses finished the race off and the margins being a head, at the finish, the Adjudicative Committee is not satisfied that STUDENT OF WAR would have finished ahead of DAKOTA. On that basis the protest is dismissed, and the Judge’s placings stand.

Decision

Accordingly, the protest is dismissed, and the Judge’s placings stand. The Adjudicative Committee authorised the payment of dividends and stake money in accordance with the decision.https://bitofayarn.com

Decision Date: 11/04/2026

Publish Date: 15/04/2026

 

[Newmarket]

11 hours ago, hesi said:

Regardless of the issues, there does seem to be a theme in NZ racing that it is okay to be personally abusive towards people, particularly on social media

Think it started once horse racing forums started online…. Leo started it😂

[hesi]

Yes, I recall him very well, highly intelligent but a nasty piece of work.

I wasn't a member back then, but from what I've read, Race  Cafe was a great site when it was started by Dave and Ange and quickly became the go to platform for people wanting to have a say on matters to do with racing.

It very quickly degenerated after they got out and other platforms like this site, FB page, Racechat and of course my wee site sprang up for people who did not like the anatagonistic and rednecked flavour, that still exists today

Edited April 15 by hesi

[Murray Fish]

9 minutes ago, hesi said:

I recall him very well, highly intelligent but a nasty piece of work.

Pardon!!! 

sigh,  sorry he is actually not that bright!   

Just look at the many self goals that he has kicked!   

The material bases for all those sorts of feckups! was, is  the actual gap between his perceived intelligence and his actual intelligence!!

He is rather ignorant when it comes to  'realpolitik'  so shown with his losing vanity project re local body politics, can you recall that event! He got so wound up believing that he had a chance! Then the campaign got the speed wobbles and it all blew up!!! Par for the course for the Cretan that he is!

[Chief Stipe]

12 hours ago, Newmarket said:

Think it started once horse racing forums started online…. Leo started it😂

Sorry @Freda and @Newmarket I realise you wish to blame someone but Leo Molloy didn't start it.  He just created a forum where the bitching  became more visible.  Sadly this crap has always been part of the industry and it has got worse.  It seems to be worse amongst those that want a more level playing field - namely one down a their level.

[hesi]

As a general comment, I would note that a very high percentage of people in the industry who are just getting on with the business of breeding and racing horses, would never be seen dead on social media sites

[Chief Stipe]

22 minutes ago, hesi said:

As a general comment, I would note that a very high percentage of people in the industry who are just getting on with the business of breeding and racing horses, would never be seen dead on social media sites

That's not correct.  The large stables are on Social Media but they use it for marketing their product and managing the narrative.  Of course they don't engage or respond (directly) to the off the wall out the gate derogatory shyte.  They are generally to busy running their businesses.

Some Racing forums are more akin to Anti-Racing Terrorist organisations than places for robust, polite and educated discussion.  As I've said before there is an undercurrent in the industry that os intent on bringing the top down thinking it will raise them up.

[hesi]

59 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

That's not correct.  The large stables are on Social Media but they use it for marketing their product and managing the narrative.  Of course they don't engage or respond (directly) to the off the wall out the gate derogatory shyte.  They are generally to busy running their businesses.

Some Racing forums are more akin to Anti-Racing Terrorist organisations than places for robust, polite and educated discussion.  As I've said before there is an undercurrent in the industry that os intent on bringing the top down thinking it will raise them up.

I can only see 2, TA and Wexford

[Chief Stipe]

14 minutes ago, hesi said:

I can only see 2, TA and Wexford

Go Racing (Syndicator).

Stephen Marsh 

Kingsclere (James and Wellwood).

Lisa Latta

Even Kenny Rae Stables are on Facebook!

[hesi]

The efforts are poor compared to what TA and Wexford do

[Murray Fish]

1 hour ago, hesi said:

I can only see 2, TA and Wexford

I recon my MF facebook acc would be connected to at least 50

 

[Chief Stipe]

20 minutes ago, hesi said:

The efforts are poor compared to what TA and Wexford do

Both Wexford and TA have 2nd and 3rd generation family members working constantly on it.  If you watch Wexford at the sales Lance's daughters are full on filming/interviewing every time Wexford purchases a horse.  Just a different level of professionalism.  Both stables are renowned for the quality and level of communication.

[hesi]

Wexford worth taking note of today, almost a 6-7K quaddie

UDERZO (Joe Doyle, barrier 4) will line up in race 5 at 2.35pm. Close to peak fitness now, with a couple of runs under his belt. He races well at Te Rapa, loves the trip and with a wee bit of give in the ground should be more competitive today.

LITTLE BIT OF LOVE (Masa Hashizume, barrier 5) will also line up in race 5. Loves the track, conditions and distance. He's fit and forward and can go a blinder fresh up.

MISS BO PEEP (Masa Hashizume, barrier 15) will line up in race 6 at 3.10pm. She trialed well heading into today and looks amazing. She's a course/ distance winner, is a mature mare now and will sprint well fresh.

TRISTAR (pictured) (Jack Taplin, barrier 12) will also line up in race 6. Back in grade, she's won on the course, will find this easier than previous assignments and looks a top chance.

PRUDENTIA (Masa Hashizume, barrier 8 ) will also line up in race 7 at 3.45pm. With the recent rain and soft ground, she'll enjoy the conditions. Her fresh up run was good and she's getting close now.

SWEET BUT PSYCHO (Warren Kennedy, barrier 3) will line up in race 8 at 4.19pm. She's raced well at this trip on the course. The genuine soft ground will bring her into the race and she's in for a good winter.

Edited April 17 by hesi