News & Media

15 February 2008 Stewards' Inquiry - Thoroughbreds

RWWA Stewards today inquired into the Official Judge’s decision in relation to third (3rd) placed position in Race 8, CGU Insurance Handicap (1400m) run at Bunbury Racecourse on Thursday 7 February 2008.

Evidence was taken from the RWWA Official Judge officiating on this day, Trainers Mr D. Pateman (PURE GLORY) and Mr S. Bates (MODELHIT).

The Stewards also reviewed the available photo finish images.

It was established that the Judge had made an error in the interpretation of the image and consequently the placings were incorrect.

ARR156 (3) states:
Notwithstanding the terms of subrule (1), whether prior or subsequent to the declaration of correct weight, if the Stewards are satisfied on the evidence of the available prints or images that the Judge has made a mistake in the determination of the finishing order of a race, the Stewards may correct such mistake and alter the places accordingly. No alteration to the Judge’s places after correct weight will have any effect on previous orders given by the Stewards as to the payment of bets.

Acting under provisions of the above rule the Stewards amended the official placings in Race 8 CGU Insurance Handicap (1400m) run at Bunbury Racecourse on Thursday 7 February 2008 to now read:

1st	VILLA ROCCA (M. Frethey)
2nd	CAVALIER WAY (J. Noske)
3rd	PURE GLORY (D. Miller)
4th	MODELIHT (S. O’Donnell)
5th	SEIGNEUR BUZZ (S. McGruddy)

The RWWA Judge officiating on 7 February 2008 has been counselled in relation to this error and Stewards will make a recommendation to the Racing Department that further training be provided to race day Judges.

JOHN A. ZUCAL
RWWA Chairman of Stewards

For more information contact:
Racing and Wagering Western Australia
Stewards Division
70 Grandstand Road
Ascot WA 6104
Ph: (08) 9277 0777