Race void at Killarney after unfair start Stars Over The Sea came out on top in the Rentokil Initial Qualified Riders Race, but the contest was later declared void. The Henry De Bromhead trained runner was adjudged to have got unfair head start on his rivals, as he went on to make all, scoring by five lengths. The six-year-old gelding was walked into the start, and galloped to the front before any of his rivals had begun. Below is the full Stewards report, along with a comment from Acting Steward Peter Matthews: The Stewards enquired into the starting procedures for this race involving Stars Over The Sea (USA), ridden by Mr D. Roche, placed first, Ancient Sands, ridden by Mr D. O'Connor, placed second, Clondaw Warrior, ridden by Mr P.W. Mullins, placed third, Illusive Force, ridden by Mr H.P. Cleary, unplaced, Alelchi Inois (FR), ridden by Mr A. McMahon, unplaced, Go Be A Hero, ridden by Miss S. Ahern, placed fifth, The Golden Punto, ridden by Mr N.F. Houlihan, placed fourth and The Shepherd King, ridden by Mr L. Bleahen, unplaced, where it appeared that correct starting procedures may have been breached. Evidence was heard from J.R. Banahan, Turf Club Starter and from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the start and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that a fair start had not been effected and using their powers in accordance with the provisions of Rule 10 they declared the race void. The Stewards referred the matter to the Turf Club for further investigation. Acting Steward Peter Matthews commented: "The Stewards deemed that it wasn't a fair start, that the winner got a flyer and was a significant distance ahead of most of the runners to the first bend and under Rule 10, declared the race void. "We had to hear evidence and every jockey bar the winning one said they didn't get a fair start. "I would have expected that with a horse like that (Stars Over The Sea), you either withdraw the horse or send the other runners back to walk in with the horse. The starter had asked every other runner to stand and wait and they did stand. "There are rules that Starters are supposed to obey as well as the jockeys and that's what we would expect and we didn't think there was a fair start and declared it void. "The matter now has been referred to the Turf Club." Paddy Power paid out on Stars Over The Sea as the winner. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
