JOCKEYS and racing officials are in discussions over the increasing number of false starts in jumps races.

The problem was particularly noticeable during the Punchestown Festival when at least six races had false starts, including three in which three attempts were needed before the race got underway.

At Ballinrobe on Tuesday there was a stewards’ inquiry following a false start which saw five jockeys given a one-day suspension. In 2019 there were 19 such stewards’ inquiries but that number fell to zero last year, possibly due to the difficulty in bringing a large number of jockeys before the stewards during Covid restrictions.

One theory is that this reluctance to investigate race-start incidents during 2020 has led to a ‘creep’ factor whereby jockeys are becoming more competitive when lining up. Other factors which may also be playing a role include a tendency for jockeys to arrive at the start earlier than usual due to the lack of owners at the racecourse, and the absence of guidance from some senior jockeys, who are missing through retirement or injury.

A spokesperson for the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board told The Irish Field yesterday: “The number of false starts at Punchestown was above average, which was disappointing, but this should not be taken as the standard.

“There were a number of contributing factors last week that wouldn’t be in play on a daily basis. Punchestown is the biggest week of racing in the year, in terms of prize money, and competitiveness is naturally going to be a factor. It is similar to what we saw at Cheltenham this year, for example.

“Punchestown was also the first major festival to have allowed maximum pre-Covid field sizes since the resumption of racing, and this added to the competitiveness.”

The IHRB spokesperson said that not all false starts are caused by jockeys breaking the tape and nor are they due to the starter being over-zealous. “False starts are always signalled for a genuine reason – the field coming in before the official ‘off’ time, some riders in difficulty, or some approaching the marker poles at speed, in contravention of the agreed starting procedures. It is important for everyone concerned that ultimately a fair start is effected, and this happened in every case in Punchestown.”

IHRB officials have met with representatives of the Jockeys’ Association and the starters to seek solutions. “We have begun a process to address the issue which will see further input from riders, starters and acting stewards, and we are committed to reducing the number of false starts by having clearly defined procedures and appropriate sanctions for those that break the rules.”

Andrew Coonan of the Jockeys’ Association said: “A number of senior riders and I had a useful discussion at the end of season, and it included race starts. Punchestown was atypical in that it is a high-pressure environment, with big prize money and good ground. However, we feel there are minor adjustments that might be made to ensure that we can produce fair starts for all riders.”