The Epsom Derby meeting began with controversy as the tape-start to the Group 2 Vodafone Temple Stakes proved very unsatisfactory with a number of runners left at the start.
Night Prospector was smartly away in the five-furlong contest under John Murtagh, and the 33-1 shot was always well-placed to hold off Autumn Pearl by a length and a quarter. Frankie Dettori did not get a gap when he needed it, and had to settle for third on the 3-1 favourite Bishop´s Court.
However there was a shambolic start in the absence of stalls because of industrial action by stalls handlers. Forever Phoenix was left at the start and took no part, while Dragon Flyer was flat-footed and trailed the field all the way.
Dragon Flyer´s trainer Mick Quinn was very unhappy with the start, and told the BBC: ´We just didn´t have a run and it was totally shambolic. It was unprofessional. They didn´t call them in and one jockey was facing the wrong way on the course.´
´The starter just wanted to get them off as quick as he could so that there was no hassle - but try and explain that to my owners who pay their money each month.´
A stewards enquiry found that the starter and jockeys were unable to hear each other clearly due to a helicopter flying overhead.
