The fifth race on Monday’s opening day program at Kentucky Downs in Franklin, Ky., was declared “no contest” by stewards after the starting gate opened before the final two horses in the 12-horse field were loaded.
Mechanicville, the No. 6 horse, and No. 12 Catman were standing behind the gate for the one-mile maiden special weight race. Several other runners in the field were unprepared for the start.
Daily Racing Form reported that the incident was a result of mechanical failure rather than human error by starter Scott Jordan.
According to Daily Racing Form, Kentucky Downs issued the following statement: “Owners of 12 horses in today’s 5th to receive $5,000 from purse account; every jockey $500 after apparent gate malfunction forced race to be declared No Contest. Track working on opportunity for horses to run back at meet if connections choose.”
