What happens if a race is run over the wrong distance or the judge misses the finish?

Under Rule 62.5 of the NHA Rules of Racing, if all horses run at the wrong weights, over the wrong distance, on the wrong course, from a start in front of the starting post, or before the scheduled time, the stipendiary stewards may:

• let the result stand,
• abandon the race, or
• order a re-run later at the same meeting (owners may withdraw horses from a re-run).

If the judge (or assistant or authorised substitute) was not in the judge's box as the horses passed the post and the result cannot be decided from the photo-finish film or photograph, the stewards must either abandon the race or order a re-run at the same meeting (Rule 62.6).

These grounds can also be raised as objections, but only by notifying the clerk of the scales or the chief stipendiary steward before the all clear is announced (Rule 68.2).