Early start agitates

The result of Charmed Forest's win in the Guinness Handicap was allowed to stand despite the race starting almost five minutes before its scheduled "off". The race started approximately 40 seconds after 5.30 instead of the 5.35 it was supposed to.

There was some initial confusion as speculation grew that the race might have to be declared void and a number of irate punters complained they lost out on the chance to bet on the race when a steward's inquiry allowed the result to stand.

The matter has been sent on to the Turf Club's Appeals and Referrals Committee.

The senior stipendiary steward Peter Matthews said: "Joe Collins (clerk of the course) admitted he sent the horses down too early and Peter McGouran (starter) admitted he thought the race was supposed to start at 5.30.

"The stewards don't have to declare a race void. It depends on the situation and they have allowed the race stand. But the matter has been sent on to the Appeals and Referrals Committee as they consider it a very serious matter."

The matter comes under the Turf Club rule 10.2 which states a race "may be declared void". That allowed yesterday's stewards to use some discretion in the matter.