The Birdsville races have erupted into controversy before a race has even been run with the publication of a photo on twitter, taken at trackwork, which seemingly shows the rider holding a ‘suspicious’ device in his right hand.
The twitter post has subsequently been deleted, but not before the story rapidly gained traction … with theories from the damning to the defensive taking off in all directions.
An urgent stewards’ investigation is already underway to determine the exact details involved in the ‘incident.’
It is important to note that no findings have been made at this stage.
In the worst-case scenario … the use of a banned and improper device … the outcome of the steward’s investigation would have severe repercussions for those involved.
In the best-case scenario, an innocent enough explanation might be accepted with no further action required.
Either way, it is not the start to the iconic carnival that the Birdsville Turf Club would have wanted as a preamble to the carnival, which is due to kick off on Friday, with the Birdsville Cup itself being run on Saturday.
It might take a little while for the dust to settle on this one.