Waikato BOP H 25 June 2021 - R 1 (instigating a protest) - Chair, Mr A Godsalve

At the completion of Race 1, a protest was lodged against the 5th placing of the horse DEMOLITION MAN. The Stewards alleged that the horse broke in excess of 150 metres in the early stages of the race.

Mr Marshall, representing the Connections of the horse noted on the Information that:

(a) He did not wish to contest the protest, and

(b) He did not wish to be present at the hearing

Rule 870(3) states: "Any horse which breaks from its gait shall promptly regain its proper gait".

The Breaking Horses Regulations (a) state: "any horse which breaks from its gait either at the start or in the running of any race and continues on in the break for a distance of 150 metres or greater, shall be deemed to be in breach of Rule 870(3) in that it has failed to promptly regain its proper gait".

At the start of this race DEMOLITION MAN went away in a gallop, and continued to gallop for more than 150m The horse eventually regained its trotting gait and finished in 5th placing. Mr Dooley said that the horse was therefore in breach of the Rule and Regulations and asked that it be disqualified from its 5th place the race.

It was clear from the films, and confirmed by the Driver, that the horse had galloped in excess of 150m from the start and was therefore in breach of the Rule and Regulations.

DEMOLITION MAN was disqualified from its 5th placing.

The placings became:

1st - ARDEE TROUBLE

2nd - MAUDARCHY

3rd - MY ROYAL ROXY

4th - SAFRAKOVA

5th - TRIXON TIME

Authority was given for Stakes to be paid in accordance with the amended placings.