Nelson HRC 10 January 2025 – R2 – MANDALA

Mr Renault, Stipendiary Steward, alleged that horse number 2, MANDALA, which finished 4th in Race 2, shifted in early in the run home locking wheels with AMERICAN BLAZE, which finished 5th, and remained locked until the finish line.

Mr Renault sought relegation of MANDALA to behind AMERICAN BLAZE.

Judge’s placings were:

1st        1  BESIDE ME

2nd      4   LIGHT ME UP

3rd       6  MIKI SKIPPER

4th       2  MANDALA

5th       3  AMERICAN BLAZE

Evidence

The Adjudicative Committee had the Stipendiary Stewards identify the two horses concerned on the available video angles. They crossed the winning post with their carts locked together, with MANDALA slightly ahead of AMERICAN BLAZE.

Mr House said MANDALA was laying in early in the run home. He believed his horse AMERICAN BLAZE was travelling well and was running straight, when there was contact with the cart of MANDALA.

Mr Williams acknowledged that MANDALA had shifted in. It was minimal movement though, and the carts had locked wheels. He said both horses were struggling at the time and there was not a lot in it.

Mr Renault said the Stewards believed Mr Williams’ inwards shift had caused the locking of the wheels.

Decision  

The Adjudicative Committee viewed the videos and it is apparent that AMERICAN BLAZE had made up good ground on MANDALA prior to the incident. As Mr Williams said, he has not shifted a lot, but it is enough for the wheels of the carts to lock for some distance.

AMERICAN BLAZE was travelling the better and the locking of the wheels was the result of movement from MANDALA.  The Adjudicative Committee is of the opinion that had the interference not occurred, that AMERICAN BLAZE would have finished ahead of MANDALA.

The protest is upheld. Amended placings are:

1st       1  BESIDE ME

2nd      4  LIGHT ME UP

3rd       6  MIKI SKIPPER

4th       3  AMERICAN BLAZE

5th       2  MANDALA

Stakes and dividends are to be paid accordingly.