Wellington RC – 15 March 2008 –

hearingid: 4858ce475f5747a077d5480368ee9587

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hearing_racingtype: thoroughbred-racing

startdate: 15/03/2008

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hearing_title: Wellington RC - 15 March 2008 -

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Following the running of the Thompson Handicap Mr C. George (Chief Stipendiary Steward) sought a ruling under rule 865 A as to whether ALTESINO (G. McKeon) was denied a fair start.

Following the running of the Thompson Handicap Mr C. George (Chief Stipendiary Steward) sought a ruling under rule 865 A as to whether ALTESINO (G. McKeon) was denied a fair start.

ALTESINO’S trainer, Mr R. James, Mr McKeon and an owner’s representative attended the hearing.

ALTESINO started from barrier 11 which had previously failed to open in the first race.  She finished fifth for which the stake was $1,875.00.

Mr George used the head on film of the start to show ALTESINO’S gate fail to open in line with the others.  Mr McKeon stated that ALTESINO had pushed the gate open.  He confirmed ALTESINO had lost a little ground and was unbalanced leaving the gate but that as the early pace was slow he thought his early racing position was marginally inferior to what it might have been with a clean start.

Mr James considered ALTESINO had been ridden to pre-race plans notwithstanding the failure of the barrier gate and it probably had little effect on the horse’s opportunities.

While the Committee can understand ALTESINO’S connections desire to retain the stake the interests of the punters are also significant and their confidence in the fairness of racing is vital to the industry’s success.  The critical issue is was ALTESINO denied a fair start.  It is beyond doubt that ALTESINO was not able to leave the barrier in line with the field due to the malfunctioning of the barrier gate and was therefore denied an optimal run. 

We are satisfied her chances were affected and we therefore exercise our discretion to declare her a non-runner and direct that the dividends be paid in accordance with this ruling.

Neville Harris

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