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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.

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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.''

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