Starter at fault as runner left behind
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The experienced starter John Leech faces possible disciplinary action after failing to spot that a horse had not been loaded into the stalls when starting a race at Redcar yesterday.
Fortunately, Leech quickly realised his mistake and was able to alert the recall man, who waved his flag to stop the horses travelling too far.
Dale Gibson, the jockey of the horse left behind, Lostris, said: "My horse was only half-way in when he let them go. He mustn't have realised that all the horses hadn't been loaded."
The stewards mounted an investigation and found that Leech, a former jumps jockey, was to blame. The stewards' secretary, Patrick Hibbert-Foy, said: "The starter has accepted that he made an error and a confidential report on the matter will be submitted to Portman Square."
The Uttoxeter stewards had a hectic time, handing out a pounds 230 fine to the trainer Howard Johnson for failing to tell the jockey Jason Titley that the first-race winner, Beckley Fountain, had hypersensitive skin, and suspensions for use of the whip to the conditional jockeys Richard Johnson and David Walsh. They also disqualified third-placed Darleyfordbay from the opening race after his rider, Timmy Murphy, lost a weight cloth in the closing stages and was unable to weigh in at the correct weight.
Martin Pipe, needing five wins for a career total of 2,000, saddled three winners yesterday.
Halling, ridden by Frankie Dettori, won the Group One Prix d'Ispahan at Longchamp.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments