Riccarton Park – Hororata 26 March 2022 – R8 (Request for a Ruling) – THE GIFT

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.”

Evidence:

Following the running of Race 8, the Applicant, Stipendiary Steward Mr Mark Davidson lodged an Information requesting a ruling pursuant to Rules 918(1) and 632(1) to establish whether THE GIFT was denied a fair start.

THE GIFT did not finish in the first four placings.

The basis for the request was due to THE GIFT being slow to leave its barrier and consequently, it lost considerable ground at the start.

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.”

Submission for Decision:

Using the head-on and other available race films, the Applicant Mr Davidson, demonstrated the start of the race. He pointed out THE GIFT who had drawn the outside gate at the 1600 metre start. He said the horse had been very fractious and was being held in the gates by an attendant. He then showed the gates opening and pointed to THE GIFT continued to be held by the attendant as the field had taken 2 or 3 strides.

The Rider of THE GIFT, Mr Ashvin Mudhoo, submitted he was instructed before the race to lead, or if not, to race handy to the lead which he said given the circumstances was an impossible ask.

The Trainer Mr Dennis, submitted his horse was usually fractious at the gates but this had never impacted her from beginning well and racing handy or leading which she had done winning her last 2 starts.

On behalf of the Stewards, Mr Davidson submitted that it is obvious the horse has lost several lengths from what has occurred at the start and that consideration must be given to protecting the betting public.

Reasons for Decision:

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

The videos clearly showed that THE GIFT was not given an equal opportunity at the start through no fault of her own or her Jockey. THE GIFT has been substantially disadvantaged as has her backers and the Adjudicative Committee determined her to be a non-starter.