Well at least it wasn't the HB Guineas! Barrier Malfunction Last Race Te Rapa 8 Feb 2025

[Chief Stipe]

Race 9 DR JOHN SOUTHWORTH MEMORIAL VASE 1200

I’M ALL IN (W Kennedy) - Began awkwardly losing ground. Declared a non-runner by the Adjudicative Committee after it was prevented from taking an effective part in the race owing to the mechanical failure of the starting stalls.

SLIPPER ISLAND (R Hutchings) - Began awkwardly losing ground. Declared a non-runner by the Adjudicative Committee after it was prevented from taking an effective part in the race owing to the mechanical failure of the starting stalls. Underwent a post-race veterinary examination which did not reveal any abnormality.

DECEMBER (G Rooke) - Reared as the start was effected losing ground. G Rooke reported to Stewards that the barriers malfunctioning had affected his mount in the early stages, however under [Rule 632(1)], the runner could not be considered to be declared a non-starter as it finished in fourth position.

IMPENDABELLE (M McNab) - Restrained in the early stages to obtain cover from the outside barrier.

WHISKEY ‘N’ ROSES (S Spratt) - Raced three wide without cover through the early and middle stages. Went off stride passing the 600 metres and was then pulled up by its rider. When questioned, the rider reported that she felt that after going off stride rounding the bend, something had been amiss with the gelding. Underwent a post-race veterinary examination which did not reveal any abnormality.

Following this race Stewards interviewed the Starter and all riders in relation to the start. The Starter reported that the gates had opened as he was in the process of resetting the starting button and without him giving his verbal call. After considering submissions, Stewards lodged a request for a ruling with the Adjudicative Committee as to whether I’M ALL IN (W Kennedy) and SLIPPER ISLAND (R Hutchings) were denied a fair start due to a malfunction with the starting gates. After considering submissions from Stewards, the Starter and riders the Adjudicative Committee ordered I’M ALL IN and SLIPPER ISLAND to be declared non-starters.

[Huey]

I missed this race , we're horses left in barrier again?

[Chief Stipe]

44 minutes ago, Huey said:

I missed this race , we're horses left in barrier again?

Read the Stipes report in the first post.  The gate malfunctioned, horse got upset, attendents climbed up, while the starter was resetting the start button the gates released and three horses weren't ready.  All horses started but 3 were disadvantaged.