The 4.45pm race at Killarney on Thursday was declared void by the acting stewards who decided the race had not been started in a fair fashion. Their decision was announced 20 minutes after the race, causing significant problems for bookmakers on and off the track.
Big news from @KillarneyRaces - the 4.45pm race has been declared void: pic.twitter.com/6LDlfX1ORL
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) July 20, 2017
The race, a 14-furlong flat event for qualified riders, saw 7/4 chance Stars Over The Sea led into the start and gain an early lead when starter Joe Banahan let the rest of the field go. David Roche, riding Henry de Bromhead's front-runner, went on to win the race by several lengths from Ancient Sands and Clondaw Warrior.
However, the stewards held an enquiry into whether the correct starting procedures had been breached. According to the Turf Club the enquiry was announced over the PA system exactly 4m 10secs after the race had ended and racegoers were advised not to discard their betting tickets.
Evidence was heard from Joe Banahan and all the riders who took part, including leading amateurs Patrick Mullins and Derek O'Connor.
Having viewed the recording of the start and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that a fair start had not been effected and, using their powers in accordance with the provisions of Rule 10, they declared the race void. The stewards also referred the matter to the Turf Club for further investigation.
Several bookmaking chains decided to pay out on all bets on Stars Over The Sea, while refunding all other wagers.
Many on-course bookmakers had already paid out on the 'winner' by the time the race was declared void and they then had to refund losing all other bets placed on the race.
MORE ON THIS STORY IN THE IRISH FIELD THIS WEEKEND
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