NZ Metro TC 15 December 2023 – R5 (Request for a Ruling) – GEORGE ELIOT

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 5, the Applicant, Stipendiary Steward Shane Renault filed an Information Requesting a Ruling to determine whether GEORGE ELIOT was denied a fair start.

Rule 213 provides as follows:

(1) A Stipendiary Steward at any time may scratch from a race or declare ineligible to start in a race until a specific condition is met any horse on all or any of the following grounds: –

(J) If a horse was denied a fair start and such occurrence materially prejudiced the chances of that horse.

Submissions for Decision:

The Applicant, Stipendiary Steward Shane Renault stated that Trevor Grant, Trainer and Driver of GEORGE ELIOT, contested the Stewards’ decision not to declare that the horse was denied a fair start and this was the reason a Ruling was sought to “determine whether GEORGE ELIOT had been denied a fair start”.

Mr Renault explained that HOLLY HIGHLANDER, drawn 2 on the front line of the mobile start, had been declared a late scratching by the Stewards in the same race. He used the available race films to show that GEORGE ELIOT, who was drawn one on the front line of the mobile start, was in the correct position in the score up to the start. Mr Renault explained that just prior to the start being declared, GEORGE ELIOT had shifted closer to the barrier arm and placed it’s head under the mobile arm. He said that GEORGE ELIOT had made contact with the arm and then broke.

He added that the racing manners of GEORGE ELIOT was the reason the horse broke.

The Driver of GEORGE ELIOT, Mr Grant, submitted that the barrier arm moved back and struck GEORGE ELIOT on the head, causing his horse to break. He said the mobile start may have slowed or the wind, which was strong, may have caused the arm to move. Mr Grant added that GEORGE ELIOT was short in stature, which did not help the situation and contributed to the incident.

The Starter David Gaffney submitted that the speed of the mobile start did not slow at any point during the score up or at the start. He also did not believe the wind was a factor with this incident. Also in attendance was Starter Ricky Donnelly, who stated that it was policy not to slow the mobile start vehicle down during the score up and at the start, even if it was going too fast. He added that there is some flex with the barrier arms, but he did not believe that it was a factor with this particular incident.

Reasons for Decision:

The Adjudicative Committee determined GEORGE ELIOT was not denied a fair start, as it was clear after hearing the evidence and viewing the films, that GEORGE ELIOT had raced up to the mobile arm just prior to the start, and when doing so, has put his head under the arm. Being short in stature, GEORGE ELIOT has been able to see under the arm and has raced up to and under the arm with his head and only when contact was made with his head, did the horse react and break. This Adjudicative Committee agrees with the Steward’s assessment that GEORGE ELIOT ‘s manners have caused the horse to break.

Decision(s):

 The Adjudicative Committee ruled that GEORGE ELIOT was not denied a fair start.