Riccarton Park – Canterbury JC 24 January 2026 – R4 (request for a ruling) – OUR CLARRY

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 4, the Applicant, Senior Stipendiary Steward, Mark Davidson, lodged an Information requesting a ruling pursuant to Rule 632(2) to establish “whether OUR CLARRY gained an advantage with the gate opening early.”

Rule 632(2) provides

(2) If, in the opinion of the Adjudicative Committee, any horse gained an unfair advantage by its
barrier stall malfunctioning and opening, or being forced, by such horse, open prior to the
starter effecting a start, such horse may be declared a non-starter

Submissions for Decision:

Using the race films, Mr Davidson demonstrated the start of the race. He pointed out OUR CLARRY, ridden by Miss Bakker, drawn in gate 7, in the starting stalls just prior to the start being made. He showed the head on replay and demonstrated, in slow motion, the number 7 gate open momentarily before the rest of the field was released. Mr Davidson pointed out OUR CLARRY, who appeared to hit the front of the gates and then when the gate was open, bounded forward, taking up a position within the field over the early stages, before improving to be with the leaders. Mr Davidson added that OUR CLARRY was normally a good beginner and was usually in the lead, or handy in previous events.

Trainer, Mr Tapper, stated that OUR CLARRY has hit the front of the gate and reacted by shifting back in the stall and when the gate opened, bounded once, then again, before taking up his position in the race. He added that, considering how the horse normally races being on pace, in this incident, he submitted OUR CLARRY was disadvantaged by what occurred with the gate opening early.

Miss Bakker stated that OUR CLARRY collided with the front of the gates, took fright and went back as the gate opened. She said that the horse then bounded forward, starting awkwardly. Miss Bakker stated that OUR CLARRY gained no advantage with this incident and was instead disadvantaged due to the gate opening early.

Starter Mr Smaill stated that just as he hit the start button, OUR CLARRY struck the front of the gate, with that gate opening prematurely, too late for him to react and hold the start.

Reasons for Decision:

The Adjudicative Committee carefully considered the submissions presented and reviewed the  available camera angles of the race start.

The Adjudicative Committee was satisfied that the starting gate of OUR CLARRY opened prematurely, after being struck by OUR CLARRY. The Adjudicative Committee was also satisfied that OUR CLARRY, after striking the front of the gate, reacted and took fright, going back in the gate. OUR CLARRY then bounded out of the gate awkwardly and was slow to begin, which is unusual for the horse on previous race form.

Accordingly, this Adjudicative Committee has found that OUR CLARRY did not gain an advantage when its starting gate opened momentarily and therefore is declared a starter for the race.

Decision:

It was determined that OUR CLARRY did not gain an advantage when its starting gate opened momentarily early, therefore deemed to be a runner in the event.