An investigation has been opened by the National Horseracing Authority after an apparent breakdown in communication at the start of Tuesday’s sixth race at Fairview led to the contest being declared null and void.
Fairview start under the spotlight (Pic – Pauline Herman)
For those of us watching the race, it is quite apparent that the flag man behind the stalls raises his flag, thus giving the all-clear to the starter positioned on the rostrum to release the gates.
It should be noted that from his position, the starter cannot see the back of the starting stalls.
The official Stipes report states that they called for a race review with regards to Greenlight Legend (R Fourie) in stall gate 8 and established that this filly had not been in the stalls as the start was effected.
The Starter called a false start, which was hesitantly adhered to by a number of Riders who had attempted to pull up their mounts, as the sounding of the siren was delayed. The Sporting Post has had confirmation that the siren may have been late, but it was audible right as far as the furthest yard.
However, the majority of the Riders continued riding their mounts to the finish line. In terms of Rule 61.5.13.1, the Stewards declared this race a ‘no race’ and subsequently abandoned it.
An investigation has been opened into this incident.
While Greenlight Legend was fancied and on a hat-trick, we have to commiserate with trainer Zietsman Oosthuizen and owner Kabous van Staden, who watched their longshot Bosnay go all the way under Eldin Webber. The filly was apparently very fancied by the connections.
To add some ironic insult to injury in a forgettable race, Bosnay was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis.
We have not been able to ascertain the qualifications credentials or experience of the errant flag man.
