A horse race was deemed invalid following a dramatic start that led to severe penalties for five jockeys. The event, part of the evening card at Windsor, featured a 5f handicap race for apprentice jockeys with a seven-horse field.
The trouble began at the starting gates when Master Zack, trained by Martin Dunne, wearing a blindfold, reared up just before the race began. Jockey Ryan Kavanagh managed to stay in the stalls as his mount bolted with the blindfold still on. Master Zack veered off track, crashing through the railing before being brought under control, fortunately sustaining no injuries. Another horse, Beaumadier, also stayed behind in the stalls and lost significant ground when it eventually started, while the remaining field completed the race with Cabeza De Llave crossing the finish line first.
During the incident, Sky Sports Racing presenter Alex Hammond explained the chaotic start where Master Zack caused disruption by veering off course. Replays showed the starter waving the flag after the horses left the gates, while an assistant signaled a false start further down the track.
Despite the signals, some jockeys, including Tommie Jakes who finished first, claimed they did not see any indication to stop. However, all riders, including Jakes and four others, received ten-day suspensions for not adhering to the recall flag.
Chief steward Richard Westropp clarified that the false start was due to a door issue at stall two, leading to the recall flag being raised. The recall procedures were followed correctly, with the recall man signaling appropriately. The banned jockeys failed to notice the recall flag except for Conor Whiteley and Ryan Kavanagh, who had their own mishap.
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