Riccarton starter Kevin Leigh-Ogden has received a warning following a near-miss during last month’s New Zealand Cup carnival.

A starter’s assistant was in front of the gates when the field was released in the 11th race on New Zealand Cup day on November 19. He escaped injury.

“Stewards have concluded an investigation into the reasons a starter’s assistant was positioned forward of the barriers when the start was activated,” the stewards’ report said.

“After hearing from official starter Mr Kevin Leigh-Ogden, assistant starter R Donnelly, starter’s assistant G Burrows, and rider Miss K Cowan, stewards issued Mr Leigh-Ogden with a warning pursuant to Rule 802(1)(a) section 6.16 of the NZTR Starters’ Manual and referred the matter to his employer to be recorded. In assessing the matter, stewards took into account the ramifications of the breach and also Mr Leigh-Ogden’s starter’s record over many years.

“A full review of starting procedures is to be undertaken by the RIU, with a national meeting of starters scheduled in coming weeks which will also encompass a review of the Starters’ Manual.”