Ashburton RC 12 March 2026 – R5 (request for a ruling) – LEINSTER

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 5, the Applicant, Stipendiary Steward Veronica Fisher, lodged an Information requesting a ruling pursuant to Rules 918(1) and 632(1) to establish “whether LEINSTER was denied a fair start due to the barriers not opening.”

LEINSTER did not finish in the first four placings.

Rule 632(1) provides “If, in the opinion of the Adjudicative Committee, a horse which does not finish in the first four placings was prevented from taking an effective part in a race owing to the mechanical failure of starting stalls, or is denied a fair start and such occurrence materially prejudiced the chances of that horse (but not where the horse is slow away of its own accord), the Adjudicative Committee may declare such horse to be a non-starter.”

Submissions for Decision:

Stipendiary Steward Mrs Fisher, with the assistance of Chief Stipendiary Steward Mr Oatham, demonstrated back straight and other available race films of the start in slow motion and normal speed. With the slow motion replay in use, Mr Oatham pointed out the barrier gate on LEINSTER, drawn 10 at the start, closed when all the other barrier gates were open, shortly after the start was made. He added that it appeared that LEINSTER had forced the gate to open and was clearly denied a fair start.

The Rider of LEINSTER, Donovan Cooper, gave evidence and stated that the barrier gate had failed to open and LEINSTER had to force the gate open to begin.

Reasons for Decision:

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

The Adjudicative Committee was satisfied that LEINSTER was slow to leave the barrier and lost several lengths. It was evident after viewing the relevant replays and obtaining evidence from Rider Donovan Cooper, that the reason for this, was due to a mechanical failure of the starting stall by failing to open.

Accordingly, the Adjudicative Committee was satisfied that LEINSTER was denied a fair start.

Decision:

Under the provisions of the Rule, the Adjudicative Committee is satisfied that LEINSTER was  denied a fair start and is therefore declared a non-starter.