Geraldine TC 9 December 2023 – R11 – GREENBANK DON
ID: RIB30526
Animal Name:
GREENBANK DON
Code:
Harness
Race Date:
09/12/2023
Race Club:
Geraldine Trotting Club
Race Location:
Orari Racecourse - Orari Station Road, Orari, 7992
Race Number:
R11
Hearing Date:
09/12/2023
Hearing Location:
Orari Racecourse
Outcome: Protest Upheld
Penalty: GREENBANK DON is disqualified from the race
EVIDENCE:
Following the running of Race 11, Stipendiary Steward Mr Shane Renault presented an Information by way of a protest alleging a breach of Rule 859(3). The details on the Information were “Driver Gavin Smith (GREENBANK DON) started in advance of its correct barrier position in front of his mark.”
Rule 859(3) provides:
(3) When a horse starts in advance of its mark or correct barrier position, in addition to any other penalty that may be imposed, the horse shall be disqualified and deemed to be scratched from the race.
Mr Renault showed all available videos of the start to identify GREENBANK DON drawn 2 on the 10m mark. Mr Renault explained because of the number of horses on the front line, the Starter dispensed with the 10m barrier strand. He pointed to GREENBANK DON walking towards its correct mark and as the field was released, he paused the video to show the horse was at least a length in advance of its correct mark.
Mr Renault said as per the Rule, Stewards seek a disqualification of GREENBANK DON from the race.
Mr Smith said he did not contest the protest, as it was clear on the video, the Rule was breached.
DECISION:
The Adjudicative Committee found the Rule to have been breached and disqualified GREENBANK DON from the race and was declared a late scratching.
Decision Date: 09/12/2023
Publish Date: 11/12/2023