EARLY START

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 1 April 1929, Page 7

EARLY START

OF CHAMPAGNE STAKES

(By Soleffpaph—Prow AsaoolaUoa)

AUCKLAND, This Day. The starting of the Great Northern Champagne Stakes four minutes before the official time set out in the race card created a certain amount of confusion at Ellerslie on Saturday, and has raised an important issue in regard .to the Rules of Raiing. There were six horses in the race, and according to the entry on the. judge's sheet, the field was despatched at 2.33 bv the starter, Mr C. O Connor, whereas the stipulated time for the risinc of the barrier was 2.37. ' When the race started the totalisator was working af full pressure, and the horses had gone a considerable distance before the windows were closed, and further investments refused. The early start was referred to the secretary last evening. He stated that no protest was made to the stewards concerning the event, and it had not officially been brought under the notice ot these 'officials. Ten minutes was allowed for lodging a complaint, and as nono was made, no action had been taken The race appeared to have started early. The rules provide for another start for where the race is run before time, if a protest is lodged..