See also » Slow start/fast finish for a Total Demolition
I laughed when the stalls broke as he’s like an old woman out of them. He was drawn 18 of 18 yesterday and was very slowly away so his race was over before it even started. This was the race I really wanted to go for but he was 19 in the ballot and I couldn’t believe he got in. He’s won three now this year which is great. He could run again here on Saturday. I have ten riding out at the moment which is a lot less than I normally would have, and I’d love to have a few more. J Larkin, trainer

The Stewards granted permission for this race to be started by flag following the malfunction of the stalls. The Stewards enquired into the circumstances that led to a false start being called for the stalls start and the subsequent flag start. P.F. Graffin, Turf Club Starter, stated that the starting stalls were tested and found to be fully functional before the horses arrived at the start. The horses were loaded under his instructions but on releasing the starting mechanism only the three outside stalls and the inside stall opened which resulted in a false start being called. Further tests of the starting stalls found that a problem existed and consequently he requested permission to start the race by flag. To effect a fair start he agreed with the riders to start from a standing start as distinct from a long walk forward but Elusive In Paris was pulled to the left while being led at the same time that the horses were let go. He added that he had not given permission for any person to lead or handle Elusive In Paris for this start. Jason Grogan, H.R.I Stalls Technician confirmed that the stalls had trialed successfully before the start but the subsequent malfunction had not been corrected and the use of the stalls was abandoned. Matt White, Team leader of the stalls operators stated that in the interests of safety that a stalls handler had assisted Elusive In Paris by leading him into the start after he had become slightly fractious. John James Feane, trainer of Elusive In Paris, expressed his disappointment with the start and the manner in which his got left. G.P. Halpin, rider of Elusive In Paris, stated that he was aware of the flag start being a standing start and confirmed that he did not request that his horse be held by a handler although admitted that the horse had given trouble before the start. Having considered all the evidence and viewed a video recording of the preliminaries to the false start, the false start and the flag start the Stewards informed Jason Grogan to establish the fault with the starting mechanism and to report back to the H.R.I who are responsible for the starting stalls and furthermore to rectify the fault before any further use of them. The Stewards were satisfied that a fair start had been effected by flag start. Furthermore, they referred the matter of a stalls handler leading a horse without permission back to the Turf Club to establish protocols with the H.R.I for any similar occupance in the future.

An extended handicap for four yrs old and upwards (90 = 10st)
Penalties - (after calculation of the handicap) A winner shall carry 5lb extra; for each race won.