R Taupō 20 September 2024 – R2 – FLUTTERBELLE

ID: RIB46411

Respondent(s):
Courtney Renee Barnes - Jockey

Applicant:
A Dooley - Stipendiary Steward

Adjudicators:
Tom Castles

Persons Present:
Brady Jones - Stipendiary Steward

Information Number:
A18774

Decision Type:
Request for Ruling

Rule(s):
632(1) - Other - Denied a fair start

Request for Ruling:
Whether FLUTTERBELLE received a fair start

Animal Name:
FLUTTERBELLE

Code:
Thoroughbred

Race Date:
20/09/2024

Race Club:
Taupo Racing Club

Race Location:
Taupo Racecourse - 471 Centennial Dr, Taupo, 3378

Race Number:
R2

Hearing Date:
20/09/2024

Hearing Location:
Taupo

Outcome: Determination

Penalty: N/A

FACTS

Jockey Courtney Barnes, using the available films, which were not of the best quality, pointed out she had a Starter’s Assistant alongside her mount after loading. FUTTERBELLE had become restless and reared on a couple of occasions. She believed that as the gates opened, the Starter’s Assistant had his hand on the horse’s bridle, thus denying a clean and unimpeded beginning.

She believed she lost at least 4 to 5 lengths at the start.

Stipendiary Steward A Dooley commented he was of the belief that the Starter’s Assistant had his hand on the bridle as the field was let go.

REASONS FOR DECISION

The available films confirmed that FLUTTERBELLE was denied a clean and unimpeded start.

CONCLUSION

FLUTTERBELLE was declared a non-runner and all investments were authorized to be refunded.

Decision Date: 20/09/2024

Publish Date: 23/09/2024