Watch 📺 Stewards address Bairnsdale barrier controversy

In an eventful race at Bairnsdale on Friday, the stewards have concluded that Sandrine’s early barrier breach did not significantly affect the outcome of the race, resulting in the filly being declared a starter and correct weight being given.

The controversial incident occurred in Race 2 when Sandrine, trained by Erin Maher, burst through the gates as they opened, prompting stewards to review the footage before reaching their decision.

Stewards took into account evidence from Sandrine’s jockey Carleen Hefel, a representative from Maher’s stable, and Racing Victoria’s starters during their investigation.

“The RV starters established that shortly after all clear was given by the assistant starter to effect the start, Sandrine anticipated the start and lunged forward, making contact with the front of its barrier stall.” the stewards’ report stated.

“As a result, the gates of Sandrine opened marginally before the remainder of the field. Following this, the filly got its head up after being eased by its rider.

The report further explained that the filly’s gate opened marginally earlier than the rest of the field due to the contact.

After reviewing the start and the overall race, stewards determined that the impact of Sandrine’s barrier breach was negligible and did not materially affect the performance of the other horses.

They also considered the context of the race as a whole and the minimal advantage gained by Sandrine.

“Upon review of the start and the race in its totality, stewards were of the opinion any impact on the remainder of the field was negligible and did not materially affect their performance in the event,” the stewards’ report stated.

“Further, noting the circumstances of Sandrine making contact with the front of its gate, the fractional amount that its gate opened in comparison to the remainder of the field and the context of the race as a whole, stewards were not of the opinion that Sandrine had gained an unfair advantage and therefore deemed it to be a starter and correct weight was given.”

The head-on vision, along with other camera angles, played a significant role in the stewards’ decision-making process.

Stewards addressed the controversy surrounding the incident, with opinions divided among punters on social media.

Some argued for a no race declaration, while others believed Sandrine should have been deemed a non-runner.

However, the stewards, based on their comprehensive assessment, deemed the result of the race to be fair and stood by their decision to declare Sandrine a starter.