No charges from Geelong barrier incident

Brad Waters - Tuesday September 12

Racing Victoria stewards have completed a review into the controversial start to a race on the Geelong Synthetic track on Friday.

Advertisement
Stephen Baster will not face a charge after a barrier incident at Geelong. Photo: Darryl Sherer

Jockey Stephen Baster restrained the $2.70 favourite Spring Choice at the start of the Prestige Jayco Maiden Plate (1000m), taking no part in the race.

Stewards established Spring Choice was one of several runners that lunged at the barriers when Stephanie Thornton's mount Strathbyrne kicked its barrier.

Baster told stewards Spring Choice hit her head on the barriers but the jockey also said he heard a call to "pull 'em up" as the start was effected.

Stewards questioned all other riders in the race along with the starter and clerk of the course but were unable to corroborate Baster's evidence.

Bets on the day stood with Spring Choice declared a runner because stewards deemed the circumstances of the start of the race were exceptional but insufficient to warrant declaring the event a no-race.

Stewards considered Baster's actions but were "not satisfied the actions of Mr Baster were culpable to a degree that warranted a charge to be issued.''

Advertisment
More Reading...
McAlpine Appointed Insurance Manager
After 19 years of valued service, Mark Lock has resigned from his position at NZB Insurance. We are pleased to note that Jane McAlpine has stepped up to assume the role of Insurance Manager. As many of you have already met Jane, you will know she is well versed in bloodstock insurance and understands the wider racing and equestrian community needs.
Sires With Winners - Friday January 9
Here is the full list of 62 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Karaka Millions Fields Taking Shape
With the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) now less than 20 days away, the likely line-ups for the blockbuster Ellerslie races are beginning to take shape.
People at Magic Millions - Day 2
Day two of People At Magic Millions and Maree is putting vendors on the spot to name a highlight.
Prior tax losses can help you meet NCL rules
The Non-Commercial Loss (NCL) rules have been a thorn in the side for individuals conducting a business, alone or in partnership, since their inception in 2000.
Hello Youmzain SW Primed for Return
Promising filly Lucy In The Sky will launch her bid for higher age group honours when she resumes at Ellerslie.
All Eyes On Young Gun Sires at Karaka 2026
New Zealand is in the fortunate position of having an outstanding group of young stallions starting to make their mark, and the progeny of these exciting up-and-comers will be in demand at Karaka 2026.
Newhaven Draft Has That Magic Glow
Newhaven Park is a family owned and run farm in the south west of NSW in the rolling hills of Boorowa and for generations the Kelly family have been producing champions and the current superstar to carry the RK brand might one day be the best of them all - Autumn Glow.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Warwick Farm
Two heats won by juveniles at Warwick Farm on Friday morning and was a first time look at both fillies by I Am Invincible and Tassort.
Part 4 Anamoe – Which Yearling is Your Pick?
It turns out Anamoe has a lot of fans out there and this series of stories have been popular with the audence and here is the last of them and our writer Kat Webster has picked her two favourite MM yearlings by Anamoe, so who are they?