NZ Metropolitan TC 3 April 2021 - R 5 (instigating a protest) - Chair, Mr D Anderson

Following the running of Race 5, an Information instigating a protest was filed by Chief Stipendiary Steward, Mr N Ydgren against MYSTIC MAX (B Orange), placed 5th by the judge, on the grounds that it “galloped in excess of 50 metres in the final 200 metres”.

Section B of the Breaking Horses Regulations provides: that any horse which breaks in the last 200 metres of a race and continues in a break for a distance of 50 metres or greater shall be in breach of Rule 870(3).

Mr Purdon had signed the Information stating he did not wish to be present at the hearing and he did not contest the protest.

Mr Ydgren showed the race video replay of the final 100 metres of the race.

Mr Ydgren identified MYSTIC MAX finishing on in the centre of the home straight passing the 80-metre mark. He pointed to the horse shortly after, gallop free of interference, and continue on in a gallop past the winning post. Mr Ydgren stated the horse had galloped for approximately 65 metres, finishing in fifth place.
Mr Ydgren sought disqualification of MYSTIC MAX from the race under Rule 870(3).

The Committee carefully considered all the evidence and video footage. The Committee was satisfied MYSTIC MAX had galloped approximately 60 to 65 metres from the finish, free of interference, and continued on galloping past the winning post and therefore in breach of the Galloping Horse Regulations.

The protest was upheld, MYSTIC MAX was disqualified from the race and the amended result is as follows.

1st - 4 HIGHGROVE
2nd - 5 ELLARIA SAND
3rd - 3 WY FI
4th - 6 KOWHAI SUNSET
5th - 2 NIGHT WATCH

It was ordered that Stakes be paid in accordance with the amended result.