Racing NSW have released the below media statement after the judge at Tamworth declared the wrong winner in race one on the card. Results have now been amended after an inquiry was conducted.
Photo Finish:
Blinkin Unreal inside – Tantamount outside
Tamworth Race 1. Blinkin Unreal pic.twitter.com/Z4OfLjxKuE
— Xavier Blair (@aragonce91) August 14, 2015
Tamworth Stewards yesterday (14 August 2015) conducted an inquiry into the placing’s declared by the judge in Race 1. After taking evidence from Mr R Hunt the Official Judge, Mr G Morgan owner of Tantamount (Placed 1st by the Judge) and Mr Steve Dixon trainer of Blinkin Unreal (Placed 2nd by the Judge) it was established when deciding the winner the judge was mistakenly of the view the nose on the line was that of the outside horse Tantamount when in fact it was the nose of the inside runner Blinkin Unreal. Upon closer scrutiny of the photo finish image it was accepted by all parties, including the Stewards, that the judge had made an error in placing Tantamount first and Blinkin Unreal second.
Acting under the provisions of AR156(3) Stewards amended the placing’s to read
1st-Blinkin Unreal
2nd-Tantamount
3rd-Crowded Drama
4th-Occy’s Express
AR156 states;
AR 156. (1) The determination of the Judge declaring a horse to have won or to have been placed shall be final, subject only to alteration by the Stewards in accordance with these Rules; provided that the Judge may correct any mistake before the riders of the placed horses have been weighed in.
(2) In the event of the Judge being unavailable or, in the opinion of the Stewards, is or was unable, because of illness or otherwise, properly to place the horses as they pass or passed the winning post, the Stewards shall stand in the place or stead of the Judge and assume and exercise the responsibilities, powers and duties conferred on him by this Rule.
(3) Notwithstanding the terms of subrule (1), whether prior or subsequent to the declaration of correct weight, if the Stewards are satisfied on the evidence of the available prints or images that the Judge has made a mistake in the determination of the finishing order of a race, the Stewards may correct such mistake and alter the places accordingly. No alterations to the Judge’s places after correct weight will have any effect on previous orders given by the Stewards as to the payment of bets.
Racing NSW Stewards have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incorrect placing being declared and will commence an immediate review of the judging protocols.
