Queensland stewards overturn dead-heat decision

A dead-heat result between the Billy Healey trained Frankie Blue Eyes and the John Manzelmann trained Lets Torque A Deel in the Class 1 Handicap at Rockhampton on February 11 has been overturned by Queensland Racing Integrity Stewards.

The details of the reasons for the Steward’s decision were released earlier in an official steward’s report, which reads:

‘Queensland Racing Integrity Commission Stewards inquired into the result of Race 6 Great Northern Class 1 Handicap 1600m at Rockhampton on 11 February 2022. The placings of this race, as determined by the Judges, were as follows – Dead heat for first, 1 Frankie Blue Eyes (NZ) and Lets Torque A Deel, 3 Star of Leon, 4 Toy Whitty

Subsequent to the running of this race Stewards received a request to review the placings regarding the dead heat runners. The purpose of the inquiry was to review the photo finish image and ascertain if the result of the race was accurate.

The Stewards power to inquire into this matter is outlined in Australian Rule of Racing 214(4)(b) which reads AR 214 (4) The determination of the Judge that a horse has won or been placed in a race is to be final, except: (b) 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.

Evidence was taken from Mr J Manzelmann the trainer of Lets Torque A Deel, Mr I Corozal owner of Lets Torque A Deel, Mr B Healey the trainer of Frankie Blue Eyes, Steward on the day Mr B Cooke, Judge on the day Mr S Bryant and BRC Race day Judge Mr R Thomas.

After giving consideration to the submissions tendered at the inquiry and further reviewing the photo finish image, stewards were satisfied that on the evidence available to them, that an error had occurred in determining the result of the race. The Stewards were comfortably satisfied that a nose margin existed in favour of Frankie Blue Eyes winning the race.

Therefore, Stewards acting under AR 214(4)(b) ordered that the placings of Race 6 at Rockhampton the day in question be amended to read as follows – 1 Frankie Blue Eyes (NZ), 2 Lets Torque A Deel, 3 Star of Leon, 4 Toy Whitty.