Ellerslie false start fiasco only eight months after similar bungle at Avondale

The false start debacle at Ellerslie today was not an isolated incident - the exact same thing happened only eight months ago when the judicial committee noted with concern that the starters’ manual was not being followed.

Starter Trevor Harrison, who let the City Of Auckland Cup field go at Ellerslie today when Pinmedown was still out the back of the gates, was involved in another bungle at Avondale on April 29.

Harrison was only the assistant starter that day when starter Brendan Sargent dispatched the field when one horse, Wilijonmcbride, had not been loaded.

After the siren was sounded all horses were pulled up but four did not take part in the re-run. Two trainers scratched their horses and another two were ordered out on veterinary advice, leaving a field of five.

Starter Trevor Harrison who has admitted his error.In fining Sargent $1000, chairman Noel McCutcheon said the judicial committee was concerned that Sargent and Harrison were not following section 6.18 of the starters’ manual, which would have avoided the mistake.

The clause stipulated that the assistant starter must signal the starter that the final runner had been loaded and all gates were closed so the start could be effected.

Steward John Oatham showed the film and said the all clear signal had not been made by Harrison.

Sargent said he was confused and thought Wilijonmcbride was the clerk of the course’s horse as it was grey and had red colours.

During the inquiry Harrison said he and Sargent were not in the habit of following the starting manual and instead called out “last one coming up.” When the horse was in, the race was started. They had been doing it that way for 15 years, he said.

During submissions on penalty, stipendiary steward Matthew Williamson said the mistake was a costly one for the industry, the club and the connections of the four horses scratched.

An inquiry into today’s incident at Ellerslie was adjourned, with Harrison stood down for the remaining two races.

Harrison has taken the blame for the error and said he simply didn’t see Pinmedown who was behind a clerk of the course’s horse. He said he had also been distracted by two horses rearing up in the stalls.