Fakenham result stands after start chaos

Chaos reigned in the last race at Fakenham today after a series of events that led the stewards to inquire into whether the result should be declared void because of a false start.

The 5-1 shot Esh Bran Girl, who had caused problems in the parade ring, planted herself as the tapes went up for the Doncaster Bloodstock Sales/EBF Mares’ Only Intermediate Open NH Flat Race.

Her actions caused traffic problems for three others runners, including 7-1 chance Smokin Grey, who also took no part.

In the confusion that followed, a ‘false start’ announcement was made over the public address system as the starter was thought to have waved his flag.

“When Esh Bran Girl refused to race, the starter picked his flag up and waved it once, which gave the impression of a false start,” said the Press Association’s chief race reader, John Lowe.

“There was then an announcement that there had been a false start, and the course commentator, Lee McKenzie, followed that by saying the horses would shortly be pulling up. That wasn’t the case.

“After the ‘false start’ the flag man down the course tried to respond and waved his flag in a half-hearted manner. However, by this time the runners had gone past him and he was under the fence.

“I don’t think it was a false start, though. As the tapes went up all the horses were facing the correct way. It was just a very, very ragged beginning to a race.”

Following the two-mile contest, won by 12-1 shot Maryland, the stewards held an inquiry.

“The stewards looked long and hard at the evidence to see if there were grounds for declaring the race void on the basis that there had been a false start,” said clerk of the course David Hunter.

“After doing so, they left the race to stand. The start was not textbook and I am sure the Jockey Club will be looking at the exact details of what went on.

“There were possibly some confusing actions by the starter, but his actions did not constitute a false start, so the race stood.”