NSW false starts

Clarifying false starts in mobile races

Harness Racing NSW - As all harness racing drivers are aware, Harness Racing New South Wale's Rule 141(1) states: "in mobile start races the Starter may declare a false start if at or before the starting point a horse causes interference to another runner, falls, breaks gear or scores up in front of the gate".

Stewards acknowledge that many drivers do make every effort to fulfil their obligations in attempting to get their horse to the starting point however; unfortunately this does not occur on every occasion. It has been the practice of most drivers to automatically alert the Starter of a gear problem when hopple shortener pins or deafeners release prematurely.

This occurrence will no longer be grounds to seek the declaration of a false start.

Accordingly, drivers are advised that effective 1 August 2010, unless there is clear evidence of gear breaking during the score up, a driver will no longer be permitted to use a gear malfunction as an excuse to alert the Starter.

Any driver found to have signalled to the Starter without proof of broken gear may be penalised under Rules 162(1)(d) or 273(2).

Evidence of any broken gear must be verified by the Starter of the Stewards.