Racegoers at Bath witnessed a rare event this afternoon when the fifth race was declared void after clerk of the course Ben Hicks directed that it be halted in running.
The 2m1f Alliance Wales & West Handicap (3:45) was stopped after 12-1 shot Fornido was pulled up on the first circuit and required treatment on the track.
The horse appeared to “lose its action” as it passed the winning post – about 4 furlongs into the race – and was promptly pulled up by rider Kieren Fox, leaving the remaining ten runners to head out on the final circuit.
In accordance with protocol, screens were immediately erected around the stricken horse to allow it to be attended in privacy by veterinary officials.
Due to the screens and attending staff being located on a narrow part of the track where horses running on after crossing the finish line would need to pass, it was decided to halt the race.
A member of the ground staff was instructed to wave the ‘stop race’ flag on the approach to the top bend, about 6f from the finish, and all riders pulled up safely.
The stewards’ report records:
“An enquiry was held to consider the circumstances surrounding the deployment of the ‘stop race’ flag as a runner appeared to have gone wrong and was pulled up shortly after the winning line on the first circuit. The clerk of the course was interviewed and explained that as the horse was being attended to behind the screens shortly past the winning line, and at a point where the track narrowed, that it was therefore not possible for the rest of the field to bypass safely, the decision was made in conjunction with the head groundsman to initiate the ‘stop race’ procedure and deploy the ‘stop race’ flag. The stewards declared the race void and as all the remaining runners pulled up according to procedures, no further action was taken.”
Leave a Reply