Racing: Perfect launch for Just An Excuse

A defiant Mark Jones attacked harness racing officialdom after a sensational start to the Interdominion pacing championship last night.

The opening heat of the pacing series was won in convincing fashion by Just An Excuse, who made the most of a perfect drive from Todd Mitchell to down Linford Christie and London Legend.

But the latter lost his third placing in the inquiry room, being put back to fourth for tightening Australian pacer Flashing Red in the home straight.

That not only costs punters who backed London Legend but also saw him docked valuable points which could be crucial to his chances of making the $750,000 final on March 18.

The decision left Jones, the reigning world driving champion, furious.

"That was the worst judicial decision I have been involved in during my career," said Jones.

"I had Flashing Red covered on the home turn and all the way up the home straight and some how we get put back behind him.

"I can't believe that happened."

The controversy, which sparked some intense discussion among leading harness racing officials, could not detract from the perfect start to the carnival for Just An Excuse.

The dual New Zealand Cup winner gota great run through and settled in the one-one as Flashing Red worked to get the lead off Linford Christie.

The leader was then attacked by London Legend, who almost wrested the lead in a lightning move at the 1000m.

Those exertions left the leaders sitting ducks for Just An Excuse, who cruised up to them at the 400m and was not asked for his best to win easily.

"That was the start we were looking for," said driver Mitchell.

"When they went hard I knew he would reel them in but I wans't going to move until late because in the back of my mind was how hard this series is going to be.

"We still have two more heats to get through but at least he hasn't had a hard run first-up and getting the big points early gives us a chance to drive him for luck in a later heat if we have to."

Mitchell's father Robert, who trains Just An Excuse at Raglan, was happy but not counting his chickens just yet.

"No matter what happens I am thinking about getting him through first heat. The win, well that is a bonus."

The victory saw Just An Excuse tighten his grip on second favouritism for the final.

Linford Christie produced the race of his life to hold on for second after a smart tactical decision from driver Nicole Thorn to hand the lead to Flashing Red early, meaning the Australian bore the brunt of the mid-race pressure.

While he won't be as well suited by the longer trips of the last round of heats and the final, Linford Christie has so much gate speed he could still sneak into the great race.

Behind the controversial flip-floppers in third and fourth was an adequete Maheer Lord but there was little to suggest those who finished further back are chances of winning the series.

The first heat had plenty of drama even before the race started. The race was delayed when New South Wale representative Sand Pebbles broke in the mobile start run-up and interfered with Blue Chip Rock.

A false start was declared but Sand Pebbles again broke in the mobile run-up at the second attempt and settled at the back of the field when the race finally got under way.