To Err Is Human, So Why This? : Steeplechase: Despite flag-waving fiasco in April, committee forgoes machines for more flag wavers.

A committee charged with finding a starting system that would prevent a repetition of this year’s Grand National flag-waving fiasco, came up with its recommendation Wednesday: two more flag wavers.

Even though seven of the 40 horses ran the full 4 1/2 miles, the steeplechase at Aintree on April 3 was declared void after two false starts caused by a faulty tape.

At a false start, a flag-waving official some 150 yards down the course is supposed to halt the race when he sees the starter waving his flag.

This time, there was a dispute over whether he did wave his flag and whether the starter waved his. In the confusion, half the field carried on, unaware of the second false start, while the rest remained at the line.

The result was that one of horse racing’s most prestigious events, watched by a world-wide TV audience of 350 million, became the race that never was.

Amid cries of disgrace, shame and humiliation to British horse racing, the age-old system of halting the race using two flag-waving officials was largely declared an embarrassing failure.

So the committee, which included five former Grand National jockeys, was set up to find a better starting system.

It turned down starting gates, flashing lights and Klaxons and decided instead to go for extra manpower.

According to committee chairman Andrew Parker-Bowles, they recommended two on-course flagmen instead of one, and a third, stationed further down the course in a car and equipped with a radio.

“We looked at all types of systems and gadgets but found that anyone could set off or stop buzzers and flashing lights,” Parker-Bowles said.

“We have gone through this with a fine tooth comb and are more than happy with the recommendations. The technology is no better than humans. I am confident there will be no repeat of the Grand National fiasco.”

Starting next year, the starter’s rostrum will be moved to provide a clear view of the first fence and of the recall flagmen, who will be positioned on either side of the track, Parker-Bowles said. The horses will line up to the right of the starter.