Matamata RC 1 March 2025 – R5 – (request for ruling) – NOT STRAIGHT LACED
ID: RIB52033
Animal Name:
NOT STRAIGHT LACED
Code:
Thoroughbred
Race Date:
01/03/2025
Race Club:
Matamata Racing Club
Race Location:
Matamata Racecourse - 7555 State Highway 27, R D 3, Matamata, 3440
Race Number:
R5
Hearing Date:
01/03/2025
Hearing Location:
Matamata RC
Outcome: Not Proved
Penalty: The Request for a Ruling was withdrawn by the Applicant
Evidence:
Following the running of Race 5, the Applicant Mr R Trumper (Te Akau Racing Manager), lodged an Information requesting a ruling pursuant to Rule 632(1) to establish whether NOT STRAIGHT LACED was denied a fair start.
NOT STRAIGHT LACED 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 placing’s 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:
Evidence was heard from Mr Trumper, representing the connections of NOT STRAIGHT LACED and its Rider, Mr M Hashizume.
Mr Hashizume stated that a Barrier Attendant was holding his mount’s rein, as well as that of the horse in the next barrier stall. He said that simultaneously, his horse’s blindfold dropped, causing it to rear as the barrier opened, resulting in a significant loss of ground.
After reviewing the race films, Mr Trumper advised the Adjudicative Committee that NOT STRAIGHT LACED had previously exhibited problems when entering and leaving the barrier. He sought to withdraw his request for a ruling, stating that despite the assistance of the Barrier Attendant, NOT STRAIGHT LACED reared due to its barrier manners. NOT STRAIGHT LACED finished last in the race.
Mr Jones agreed with Mr Trumper’s interpretation of the incident and with his decision to withdraw his request.
Reasons for Decision:
The request for the ruling was withdrawn. No further action required. NOT STRAIGHT LACED was declared a starter and payment of dividends was authorised.
Decision Date: 01/03/2025
Publish Date: 05/03/2025