Queensland chief steward Josh Adams is leading a review into the start of a controversial Toowoomba race on ANZAC Day, where the winner Drums Of War appeared to get a flying start.
Adams and his panel spent Thursday in Toowoomba asking questions of all involved and will report back to Queensland Racing Integrity deputy commissioner Kim Kelly on the matter.
A replay and photo of Drums Of War looking to be out of the gates before its rivals, opening debate.
“Correct weight was delayed to allow Stewards to review the start of the race. After viewing the official footage, Stewards found that just prior to the start being effected, DRUMS OF WAR lunged forward, contacting its front gates, which opened marginally earlier prior to the gates of other runners. After consideration of AR204(2), which deals with a horse obtaining an unfair advantage, Stewards were of the view that any advantage obtained was only a head margin when the gates of other runners commenced to open and it was not unfair. Therefore, DRUMS OF WAR was declared starter and correct weight given,” stewards noted in their report for the race.
Kelly said although the result couldn’t be changed because correct weight had been declared by stewards on the night, he wanted the incident reviewed.
“We are keeping an open mind to what happened and our chief steward and deputy and a senior steward will provide a report to me to consider,” Kelly said.
