The NZ Racing Integrity Unit have concluded their hearing into the race fall of Durham Town where three riders were questioned following the incident. Stewards found that in essence; Durham Town was at fault and Nash Rawiller had done nothing wrong.
Below is the Original Stewards Report and after that, the findings from the enquiry.
- Race 9 J & N BERKETT TELEGRAPH HANDICAP - Group 1
- STAR GURU began awkwardly and shifted in hampering ATAPI which lost ground.
- IMANI was slow to begin.
- SO ELUSIVE began awkwardly and lost ground.
- EL CHICO raced fiercely in the early stages.
- An enquiry was opened into the reasons why V Colgan was dislodged from DURHAM TOWN passing the 400 metres. Evidence was taken from rider N Rawiller (ATOMIC FORCE) and S Spratt (EIGHT SCHILLINGS). Due to the unavailability of V Colgan who was transported tohospital for further evaluation of a wrist injury, the matter was adjourned to a date to be set.
- In this incident, CAPTAIN KIRKUP was hampered by the riderless DURHAM TOWN.
- CHARMA lay in under pressure making contact with THE HOMBRE near the 150 metres.
- GUISEPPINA shifted in passing the 150 metres inconveniencing BABY GUINNESS.
- GUISEPPINA continued to shift in under pressure for the remainder of the race.
- O'CARTIER shifted out near the 100 metres away from EL CHICO crowding DOUBLE BARREL.
- A post-race veterinary examination of DURHAM TOWN revealed a small laceration to the left fore tendon.
- A post-race veterinary examination of THE HOMBRE revealed a slow post-race recovery rate.
Enquiry Findings
Race 9 - J & N Berkett Telegraph Handicap (Group 1)
An enquiry was opened into the reasons why V Colgan was dislodged from DURHAM TOWN passing the 400 metres. Evidence was taken from rider N Rawiller (ATOMIC FORCE) and S Spratt (EIGHT SCHILLINGS). Due to the unavailability of V Colgan who was transported to hospital for further evaluation of a wrist injury, the matter was adjourned to a date to be set.
An inquiry into the reasons for rider V Colgan being dislodged from his mount Durham Town passing the 400 metres has now been concluded.
The Stewards have taken evidence from riders V Colgan, N Rawiller (Atomic Force) and S Spratt (Eight Schillings) along with Mr. JA Gibbs MNZM, a part owner of Durham Town.
After carefully considering all evidence including reviewing all Stewards patrol video footage filmed from a number of angles the Stewards have identified three factors which in their view have contributed to the incident:
- Eight Schillings, after lugging outwards when crossing the junction between the 1200 metre chute and the course proper, shifted in slightly after being straightened upon joining the running rail approaching the 400 metres.
- Atomic Force which had obtained a run, to which it was entitled, to the inside of Eight Schillings when crossing the junction, did shift in slightly when awkwardly placed on the heels of Eight Schillings near the 400 metres.
- Durham Town, which was inside the heels of Atomic Force, reacting badly when being marginally crowded as a result of the slight shift from Atomic Force and dislodging rider V Colgan.
After full consideration of all factors the Stewards could not be comfortably satisfied that any rider can be held accountable for the incident and as such will not be taking any further action on the matter.
Summary
Nash did nothing wrong and the interference was severe enough to have possibly cost us victory in the event.