Latest News

Inquiry into the Judge's placings in Race 3 at Canberra on Friday, 19 April 2024

Inquiry conducted at Thoroughbred Park

Committee of Stewards:  J D Walshe (Chairman), G E V Hargraves & X C Dalton

Following the running of Race 5 at the Canberra race meeting conducted today, Stewards opened an inquiry into an alleged error in the Judge’s placings for Race 3 Thoroughbred Park Function Centre Plate over 1400m.

Subsequent to the declaration of correct weight for that race and sometime after, information had been brought to the attention of Canberra Racing Club Officials concerning the potential issue with the placings.

Evidence was taken from representatives for the connections of Disrupt, which was placed fifth, and Bo Bo Beware, which was placed fourth.

Evidence was also obtained from Official Judge Mr S Shroff, assistance Judge Mr J Dorrington and Trainee Judge Mr A Aherne-Williams.

On the evidence it was established that when assessing the placings in the race, the Judge’s panel agreed that Disrupt had finished fourth and Bo Bo Beware had finished fifth, however, when the Judge’s placings were being keyed into the computer an entry error occurred resulting in Bo Bo Beware being incorrectly semaphored as finishing fourth instead of fifth and Disrupt fifth place instead of fourth.

After viewing the Judges official photo finish image and with there being no contest from any of the parties, Stewards were satisfied that the Judge had made a mistake in placing Bo Bo Beware fourth and Disrupt fifth. Accordingly, under the provisions of AR214(4)(b), the placings were altered to read:

1^st: Clubman

2^nd: My Shalom

3^rd: Final Crack

4^th: Disrupt

5^th: Bo Bo Beware

Under the provisions of AR214(6) the alteration to the Judge’s placings, which occurred after correct weight, will have no effect on the previous orders given by Stewards as to betting on the race.

A report will be provided to the Chief Executive of the Canberra Racing Club for his consideration and necessary action.

Relevant Rule

AR 214 Placings in a race to be determined by the Judge

(4) The determination of the Judge that a horse has won or been placed in a race is to be final, except:

• the Judge may correct any mistake before the riders of the placed horses have been weighed-in; and
• the Stewards may alter a determination made by the Judge either before or after a declaration of correct weight if the Stewards are satisfied on the available evidence (including prints or images) that the Judge has made a mistake in the determination of the finishing order of a race.

(6) No alterations to the Judge’s places after correct weight will have any effect on previous orders given by the Stewards as to betting on the race.