Riverton TC 4 May 2024 – R5 – MAJOR MEDLEY

BACKGROUND:

Following the running of Race 5, Stipendiary Steward Mr Vinny Munro instigated a Protest alleging that MAJOR MEDLEY was not in the correct gait for more than 50 metres in the final 200 metres of the race. The Stewards determined MAJOR MEDLEY had not been in its correct gait for more than 50 metres and their intention was to disqualify the horse from the race. Mr Munro stated the Stewards understood it was a close call.

Miss Hoffman, the Trainer of MAJOR MEDLEY, said she felt that it was indeed a close call and signed the Information that the breach was not admitted. Miss Hoffman exercised her right, asking for the Adjudicative Committee to review the alleged breach and decision of the Stipendiary Stewards.

EVIDENCE:

In the concluding stages of Race 5, MAJOR MEDLEY was finishing strongly down the outside of the straight. At approximately the 60-metre mark, he began to pace roughly and break stride, continuing to gallop to and past the winning post, finishing in fourth place.

Using the home straight video, the Adjudicative Committee established the exact point where MAJOR MEDLEY broke stride, which both Miss Hoffman and the Stewards agreed. The video was then allowed to run in slow motion, from this point, showing MAJOR MEDLEY galloping for five or six strides, before the 50-metre peg on the inside of the track came into view.

CONCLUSION:

All parties were satisfied MAJOR MEDLEY had galloped for more than 50 metres and the Adjudicative Committee ruled the horse to be disqualified from the Race.

The amended placings were:

1st   (6)     ASTA

2nd  (2)    FOXING EASTON

3rd   (10)  RYLAN CHARLIE

4th    (4)   RACIE DALE

Stakes and dividends were ordered to be paid in relation to the amended result.