Racing: Race void after confusion at false start

A race at Avondale yesterday was declared void following confusion by jockeys over whether a false start had been declared.

In race seven on the programme, the gate of Super Galaxy was slow to open and the horse lost several lengths, the judicial report said.

It was stated that the race meeting starter, Trevor Harrison, immediately sounded a siren to denote a false start and a clerk of the course tried to convey the same message to jockeys.

Some riders started to attempt to pull up their mounts but confusion reigned when others ahead of them continued on.

"The jockeys, after watching the front half of the field continue in the race, elected [themselves] to continue in the race, apart from Super Galaxy," the judicial report said.

At a subsequent inquiry some jockeys said they had not heard the siren or the calls of the clerk of the course. The result of the race was cancelled and all bets refunded.

The judicial committee suggested that the clerk of the course should stand further in front of the stalls than he had on this occasion.

It also suggested the starter should wave a red flag as it sometimes can be hard for the siren to be heard.

It was also requested the starting gates be thoroughly inspected to identify any problems.

- NZPA