New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing would like to provide an update on the use of the supplementary Clip-on starting gates, following the false start that occurred prior to the running of the Group 1 TAB Classic at RACE Trentham on Saturday 9 December.

Whilst initial evidence provided to the Racing Integrity Board on raceday, as well as post-raceday, to NZTR suggests that all operational processes were followed correctly, with the starting mechanism on the extra gates being tested before the false start occurred, this only creates further concern regarding the reliability of these Clip-on gates.

Consequently, a decision has been made to suspend the use of the supplementary gates immediately nationwide. Until NZTR is comfortable that there is not a significant reliability concern, the supplementary gates will not be utilised during meetings for the foreseeable future.

Further to this in conjunction with the relevant Clubs, NZTR will immediately look at purchasing a permanent set of starting gates at three strategic venues that do not have adequate permanent gates, being Te Rapa Racecourse, RACE Awapuni and RACE Trentham.

NZTR will continue to work alongside the relevant Starting Gate Consortiums which manage all operational activity to ensure that proper maintenance and testing is being regularly carried out to all gates, with the governing body continuing to explore further options to ensure reliability.