Did a breakdown in communication cause the favourite Star Exhibit to rear in the gates at the start of Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes at Moonee Valley?
Star Exhibit firmed from $4.60 to start as a $4.40 chance but punters didn't get a run for their money as the Darren Weir-trained galloper dumped jockey Mark Zahra as the field left the gates.
Stewards quickly ruled Star Exhibit's behaviour was the reason for the incident, meaning punters lost their money, before discussing the gelding's behaviour with Weir.
Weir told stewards Star Exhibit "has a few tricks" but he should have had a blindfold on when placed in the gates.
Weir said Star Exhibit "definitely had a blindfold on" in the barriers when he finished second to Sense Of Occasion in the Doomben Cup in May.
Neither Weir or stewards could recall whether Star Exhibit wore a blindfold in the barriers when he finished ninth first-up in the Group II PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 19.
Weir said Star Exhibit's previous trainer Adam Durrant had told him that the horse had quirks that required the blindfold in the barriers and to be brought into the mounting yard late.
Chief steward Terry Bailey told Weir there was no record of Star Exhibit requiring a blindfold before his races on the national horse database, which led to the gear not being used on the horse.
Star Exhibit was suspended from racing until he trials to the satisfaction of stewards.
A
Star Exhibit reared when the gates opened, flinging Mark Zahra out the back. pic.twitter.com/GnLDl0a8S6
— Racing.com (@Racing) September 9, 2017
