Jason Laking??

[Mardy]

I see that Jason rode a few races ago,but is now gone from his remaining rides??. Hopefully nothings happened,and maybe it's more weight related?.

[Freda]

I think his weight is proving too big a hurdle.

We may have seen the last of him, for a while at least.

[Mardy]

Ah that is a crying shame. A very talented rider,who if it wasn't for the weight issues would be one of the best in the South. Didn't Jason ride at around 56kgs up North not too long ago? hard to believe(tho im a novice) that if that was the case,then he's now struggling with the weight??. I hope we haven't seen the last of Jason,a very gifted rider,but i did notice that he's now not riding at Wingatui on Sunday.

[mikeynz]

I'm struggling with my weight 2😆

[Ludwig]

52 minutes ago, Mardy said:

Ah that is a crying shame. A very talented rider,who if it wasn't for the weight issues would be one of the best in the South. Didn't Jason ride at around 56kgs up North not too long ago? hard to believe(tho im a novice) that if that was the case,then he's now struggling with the weight??. I hope we haven't seen the last of Jason,a very gifted rider,but i did notice that he's now not riding at Wingatui on Sunday.

Sadly, with his height ,it was always going to be an issue. Looking ahead, he's affable and well presented, maybe theres a future career as a trackside on course host, similar to Leith Innes.. All the best to him.

[Special Agent]

Sorry to Jason Laking for whom this post started.  To be fair Jason will be looking for a job now.  Not sure how he'd look in that garb though.  My point is jobs can be found in the racing industry both here and in Australia for ex-jockeys.

I would consider whatever an ex-jockey was employed to do would aid racing industry "core business".  On the flip side I think the races would still go ahead without a car or overseas trip as an incentive to dress up or even attend a race meeting.

When a racing club is rolling in profit, has every race sponsored (not contra-ed), the fields are full and the RACECOURSE TURF IS IN TOP NOTCH ORDER then it might be time to have a play with some novelty roles.  Until then ... WTF!!!!!

[Chief Stipe]

South Canterbury RC 27 April 2023 – Races 1, 6, 8, 9, 10 – Jason Laking

ID: RIB19289

Respondent(s):
Jason Laking - Jockey

Applicant:
Stipendiary Steward - Ms Veronica Algar

Adjudicators:
Dave Anderson

Persons Present:
Ms Algar and Mr Laking

Information Number:
A16822

Decision Type:
Raceday hearing

Charge:
Making contracted weight

Rule(s):
330(3)(c) - Weight breach - Failed to make contracted weight for 5 rides

Plea:
Admitted

Stewards Report

Results

Animal Name:
FINGERPRINTED, CALGARY PARK, IT'S BELSANTO, JON OL DYLAN and DEMAND RESPECT

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
27/04/2023

Race Club:
South Canterbury Racing Club

Race Location:
Phar Lap Raceway - State Highway 1, Washdyke, Timaru,

Race Number:
R1

Hearing Date:
27/04/2023

Hearing Location:
Phar Lap Raceway

Outcome: Proved

Penalty: Jockey Jason Laking is fined $350

EVIDENCE:

Prior to the running of the Race 1, Stipendiary Steward Ms Veronia Algar presented an Information alleging a breach of Rule 330(3)(c) “unable to make contracted weight” by Class A Jockey Mr Jason Laking.

Mr Laking stated he was conversant with the Rule and Charge, and he confirmed he admitted the breach.

Ms Algar said Mr Laking had 2 previous breaches of the Rule being:

7 January 2023 at Kumara, where he was fined $200, missing 5 rides.

4 March 2023 at Waikato, where he was fined $300, missing 1 ride, a Group 3 Race.

Mr Laking said he was considering taking 2 months away from riding to address his difficulties.

DECISION:

The Respondent having admitted the breach, the charge was deemed to be proved.

SUBMISSIONS FOR PENALTY:

Ms Algar said Mr Laking was only 10 days from having one previous breach disappear from his record and Stewards would be seeking a fine of between $300 to $400.

Mr Laking made no submissions on Penalty.

REASONS FOR PENALTY:

The Minor Infringement Schedule provides for a second breach of this Rule, a fine of $200. This breach, being Mr Laking’s third breach within the reset period, required an Information being lodged. The Adjudicative Committee carefully considered all factors and concluded a fine of $350 to be an appropriate sanction in the circumstances of this case.

CONCLUSION:

Accordingly, Class A Jockey Mr Jason Laking is fined $350.

Decision Date: 27/04/2023

Publish Date: 01/05/2023

[Mardy]

As im a  fan of Jason's i certainly hope that he can come back,but after reading that he is considering taking 2 months away,wouldn't that make it harder to come back?.And as i mentioned earlier,how come Jason made 56.5 kgs a few months or so ago,but isn't able too now?..the warmer weather back then??. Anyway i wish Jason the best and i guess we'll 'watch this space'.

[Shad]

Tough gig, really do feel for him, we all like our food, just spare a thought for those waisting kilos to make a living.