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The headlining G2 Cartier Sceptre Stakes on the opening day of the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate festival was turned into something of a fiasco with the race being badly marred by various starting shenanigans. 

Mercury Rising crossed the line first but was later declared a non-runner as she gained a clear advantage with her gate opening well before the others, with Snaith stable mate Gimme Dat picking up the spoils.   

Meanwhile favourite Sound Of Warning (Gate 1) failed to jump, and was eventually also declared a non-runner as she was being impeded by a handler.

Favorita (Gate 2) also stood in the stalls, but this one was declared a runner as she was not hampered in any way.  

Unlucky 13! Mercury Rising crosses the line clear of Gimme Dat (Wayne Marks)

The stipes report summed up as follows:

The Stipendiary Board called for a review of the start pertaining to three separate incidents where it was established, on reviewing the patrol film from the various angles:

1) That MERCURY RISING (C Zackey) in stall 14, had gained an advantage after its front gates had opened before the starter released the gates. As this filly had gained an advantage over the rest of the field as a result of this, she was declared a non-starter in terms of Rule 61.6.11

2) That SOUND OF WARNING (R Fourie), which had been restless in its inside barrier, had been impeded by the Handler allocated to her when he attempted to settle the filly. In terms of Rule 61.5.10.2 the filly was declared a non-starter.

3) That FAVORITA had refused to jump and had not been competitive in the race as a result. The Stewards were satisfied that FAVORITA had been under starters orders and did not jump on its own accord and consequently its impediment was due to its own behaviour in the starting stalls and it was declared to be a runner in terms of Rule 61.5.10.3

  1. b) IRIS (G Cheyne) was hanging out from the 400m and proved difficult to assist. 
  2. c) GIMME DAT (G van Niekerk) was hanging out in the closing stages.
  3. d) In view of the report from the starter regarding FAVORITA (R Khathi), this filly’s starting stall certificate has been withdrawn and she is suspended in terms of Rule 61.6.10 and until such time as she proves to be tractable with a companion. Suspension dates: 08/01/2022 to 14/01/2022 inclusive). FAVORITA may not be presented for re-passing during this period
  4. e) In view of the report from the starter regarding SOUND OF WARNING (R Fourie), this filly’s starting stall certificate has been withdrawn and she is suspended in terms of Rule 61.6.10 and until such time as she proves to be tractable with a companion. Suspension dates: 08/01/2022 to 14/01/2022 inclusive). SOUND OF WARNING may not be presented for re-passing during this period

The question does have to be asked though as to why the starter did not call a false start as Mercury Rising in Gate 14 very clearly  jumped in advance of the balance of the field.

Also Sound Of Warning in Gate 1 was unsettled and fractious as the gates opened, which would usually lead to a moments delay until the affected equine settled down.

A case of trigger happiness perhaps, but it’s not an easy job…    

Thankfully the listed Ardmore Jamaica Handicap won by Pink Tourmaline earlier passed without incident.