Nelson HRC 12 January 2024 – R8 – BOYZ INVASION

EVIDENCE:

Following the running of Race 8, Stipendiary Steward Paul Williams presented an Information by way of a protest, alleging a breach of Rule 859(3). The details on the Information were “BOYZ INVASION started in advance of its correct barrier position.”

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 Williams showed all available videos of the start, to identify BOYZ INVASION drawn 4 (unruly 2) on the outside of the front line. He pointed to BOYZ INVASION becoming fractious and bounding forward to make contact with the front line, just as the barrier stands were released. Mr Williams stated that it appeared as if BOYZ INVASION was in contact with the line and in advance of it’s correct position when the start was made, but this was difficult to determine.

Mr House, as a Junior Driver, stated that he was comfortable at the hearing without assistance. He stated that BOYZ INVASION bounded forward, making contact with the barrier strand, but stepped back and was not in contact with the strand when the start was made.

Starter, Ricky Donnelly stated that he could see BOYZ INVASION bound forward and make contact with the barrier strand, but then stepped back and was clear of the barrier strand when he declared the start. He added he was certain that BOYZ INVASION was not in advance of it’s correct position as the start was made.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

The Adjudicative Committee, after hearing evidence and analysing replays of the start, was not satisfied that BOYZ INVASION did in fact, start in advance of it’s correct barrier position.

The Adjudicative Committee therefore determined that this protest would be dismissed.

DECISION: 

The protest was dismissed.