NZ Metropolitan TC 30 May 20201- R 8 - Chair, Mr D Anderson

Following the running of race 8, an Information instigating a protest was filed by Chief Stipendiary Steward, Mr N Ydgren, against HARRY POTTER (R Close), 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 Close 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 250 metres of the race.

Mr Ydgren identified HARRY POTTER racing in second place in the centre of the home straight passing the 200-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 175 metres, finishing in fifth place.

Mr Ydgren sought disqualification of HARRY POTTER from the Race under Rule 870(3).

The Committee carefully considered all the evidence and video footage. The Committee was satisfied HARRY POTTER had galloped for approximately 175 metres from the finish, free of interference, and continued on in a gallop past the winning post and therefore in breach of the Galloping Horse Regulations.

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

1st - 1 ROYAL DEL
2st - 9 UNIQUE ROSE
3rd - 4 TEQUILA SUNSET
4th - 13 SAMANTHAS MOON
5th - 7 CRÈME DE LA CREME

It was ordered that stakes and dividends be paid in accordance with the amended result.