Think it has been like that for a while though. I remember watching a race either late last year or early this year. Only 4 horses in it, but the odds on (or more like Money back; was only paying $1.02) favourite missed the start by 10 lengths. One of the barrier attendents had held the reign too long and he was badly held back. Although, unlike Mr C., this favourite won the race like a favourite, making up the 10 lengths easy and beating the other three by another 4 or 5.. I thought that was pretty damn impressive for a sprint. Point is, despite the fact that his missing the start wasnt his fault, he was decalred a runner and winner. I know it was ages ago though because that was way back when I used to bet on other horses but my own, and Lady has been racing since Late 04 now. I have only bet on other horses in big races since she started so... yeah, thats how I figure its been a while.

I should probably add that this was down in Tassie i believe, so it may have just been their stewards that handled it that way.