AU2018256582B2

AU2018256582B2 - Horse racing stall

Info

Publication number: AU2018256582B2
Application number: AU2018256582A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Michael Craig KENT; Julian Rohan WELSH
Original assignee: J2m Barriers Pty Ltd
Current assignee: J2m Barriers Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2017-10-31
Filing date: 2018-10-31
Publication date: 2023-07-27
Anticipated expiration: 2038-10-31
Also published as: AU2018256582A1; AU2023251518A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a horse racing stall comprising: a frame to which is attached two walls forming sides of a pen; each wall of the two walls comprising a substantially flat upper panel disposed to fence a barrel and hind quarters of a horse and a substantially flat lower panel disposed to fence front legs at or below the shoulder and rear legs at or below the stifle of the horse, the lower panel being offset from the upper panel. 5/8 570 e70 200 #1 FIG. 3A

Description

5/8

570

e70 200

#1 FIG. 3A

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT ORIGINAL

Name of Applicant: J2M BARRIERS PTY LTD

Actual Inventor(s): Michael Craig KENT Julian Rohan WELSH

Address for Service: Houlihan 2 , Level 1, 70 Doncaster Road, Balwyn North, Victoria 3104, Australia

Invention Title: HORSE RACING STALL

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to the Applicant:

HORSE RACING STALL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a horse racing stall. More particularly, this invention relates to a horse racing stall comprising even and/or planar internal surfaces.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] At the start of a horse race the horses are placed into individual stalls of a starting gate. The front and/or rear doors of each stall are then closed. The race is started by simultaneously opening the front doors of each individual stall.

[0003] Many horses do not enjoy being contained within the stalls. A consequence of this is that frequently horses will miss the start, or even worse may become injured when they hit the stall while inside or whilst the gate crew and/or jockey are trying to get the horse inside the stall. Such injuries, along with this reluctance or refusal to enter the stalls can lead to horses being scratched or being classified as unfit to race. This reluctance or refusal can be inherent in a horse or can be acquired.

[0004] Clearly then, problems with starting gates can result in or contribute to a horse being unable to compete in a race. This can have major ramifications for the horse, owners and trainers.

[0005] Another major element is that of horse welfare. It is highly desirable to reduce or eliminate the chance of injury due to stalls. In addition to the physical welfare of the horse, it is also highly desirable that the horse racing stall be perceived by the horse as a non threatening environment.

[0006] To reduce the risk of injury, some starting gates incorporate carpet padding on their internal surfaces.

[0007] United States Patent No.: 1876839 to Birtwistle discloses a stall gate for horse racing that has a crane which may be classified as a rotary gantry made up of a truck, jibs journaled upon the truck in a pintle and supported by struts, a boom, the rollers of which run in channelled sections of the rails of the jibs, and partitions which are suspended and swing from a boom. The gates comprise extensions which extend downwards from the boom and frame. The upper section of the frame is a screen of wire mesh. The screen is constructed of similar wire mesh and mounted on the bottom side of the boom to prevent horses from rearing and falling backwards. The lower end of the screen merges into a dashboard which is smooth on its top and flared downwardly on both sides of the screen so the hooves of an unruly horse, when they come down on this dashboard, will slide off so that it cannot support itself thereon but has to stand on the ground. The bottom sides of the dashboards merge into straight walls, which extend to the bottom cross pieces of the frames. The walls, may be made of strong wooden boards or rugged matting, forming a padding.

[0008] United States Patent No.: 3154053 to Schilling discloses a roller extension for a stall for horse racing which includes forward posts and rear posts in which the upper half of the barrier doors are covered by an open grill. A step or shelf extends the complete length of each stall on each side and provides support for the assistant starter. The step is supported from the main support structure of the partitions by U-shaped frame members. Padding covers the sides of the stall, step and lower portion of the barrier doors. The roller extension provides rollers to absorb accidental contact of the horse due to the extensions projecting a sufficient distance in front of the stall partitions to guide the horse after the barrier opens.

[0009] United States Patent No.: 2127213 to Guth teaches stalls for horse racing formed by separate, independent, self-supporting and readily removable pylons arranged at spaced intervals across the track. Each pylon is about the length of a horse's body, but in height comes below the stirrups. The sides slope upwardly and inwardly from a broad supporting bottom and above the top of the pylon is a vertical central partition extension which may be either a rail or a panel. Pylons are of truncated pyramidal form comprising a pair of sloping lateral walls and end walls, which preferably are also inclined. In height the pylon is preferably somewhat lower than the height of the stirrup so that the jockey's legs are wholly above the top side and clear of the side wall to guard the jockey's leg. The sloping lateral walls are disposed at an angle which is preferably determined by the overhang of the horse's body laterally beyond the normal position of the feet. There is also a variation with lateral walls and the very slightly truncated top wall continuing upwardly as a panel.

[0010] Another mechanism used is that of a barrier blanket. These barrier blankets are placed over a horse prior to entering the starting stalls. The barrier blanket can then be tied to the back of the stall after the horse has been loaded, so that it remains in the barrier when the horse jumps. The barrier blanket stops the stall from rubbing up against the horse and stops the barrier attendant brushing the horses skin directly. These blankets can be uncomfortable for a jockey and they take some getting used to and require the jockey to be seated accurately in the stall for the blanket to function correctly. The use of barrier blankets may be permitted only on limited basis.

[0011] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Generally, embodiments of the present invention relate to a horse racing stall. In a broad form, the invention relates to a horse racing stall comprising even and/or planar internal surfaces.

[0013] In a first aspect, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, the invention resides in a horse racing stall comprising: a frame to which is attached two walls forming sides of a pen; each wall of the two walls comprising a substantially flat upper panel disposed to fence a barrel and hind quarters of a horse and a substantially flat lower panel disposed to fence front legs at or below the shoulder and rear legs at or below the stifle of the horse, the lower panel being offset from the upper panel.

[0014] In a second aspect, the invention resides in a method for manufacturing a horse racing stall comprising: attaching two walls to a frame to form the sides of a pen, each wall of the two walls comprising a substantially flat upper panel disposed to fence a barrel and hind quarters of a horse and a substantially flat lower panel disposed to fence front legs at or below the shoulder and rear legs at or below the stifle of the horse, the lower panel being offset from the upper panel.

[0015] In a third aspect, the invention resides in a method of retrofitting a horse racing stall comprising: attaching two walls to a frame to form the sides of a pen, each wall of the two walls comprising a substantially flat upper panel disposed to fence a barrel and hind quarters of a horse and a substantially flat lower panel disposed to fence front legs at or below the shoulder and rear legs at or below the stifle of the horse, the lower panel being offset from the upper panel.

[0016] In a fourth aspect, the invention resides in a horse racing stall manufactured according to the second or third embodiment.

[0017] In a fifth aspect, the invention resides in a horse starting gate comprising a plurality of horse racing stalls according to the first aspect or a plurality of horse racing stalls manufactured according to the second or third aspect.

[0018] The horse starting gate may comprise one or more wheels to assist in transport.

[0019] According to any one of the above aspects, the offset may be towards the interior of the pen. The offset may be 5 to 50 mm. The offset may be 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 or 50 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the offset is 100 mm.

[0020] A ledge may extend between the upper panel and the lower panel in any one of the above aspects. The ledge may extend horizontally or substantially horizontally. In another embodiment, the ledge may extend at an angle. The ledge may cause the offset. The ledge may have a width of 5 to 50mm. The ledge may have a width of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 or 50 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the ledge comprises a width of 10 mm. The ledge may comprise a solid and even internal surface. The ledge internal surface may be continuous and unbroken.

[0021] According to any one of the above aspects, the upper panel and/or lower panel may comprise even internal surfaces or substantially even internal surfaces. The upper panel and/or lower panel interior surfaces may be planar and/or flat or substantially planar and/or flat. The upper panel and/or the lower panel may comprise solid, continuous panels or substantially solid, continuous panels. The upper panel and/or the lower panel may be continuous and unbroken or substantially continuous and unbroken. The upper panel and/or lower panel may comprise one or more toe or foot holds.

[0022] According to any one of the above aspects, the upper panel and/or lower panel may be disposed vertically or substantially vertically. The upper panel and/or lower panel may also be smooth or substantially smooth.

[0023] According to any one of the above aspects, the internal edges of the racing stall may be bevelled. The internal edges may comprise a ledge edge and/or a bottom ledge.

[0024] According to any one of the above aspects, the lower panel may be U-shaped. The U-shaped lower panel may integrate the lower panel with the ledge.

[0025] The frame according to any one of the above aspects may further comprise one or more uprights, one or more grab rail and/or one or more cross bars.

[0026] According to any one of the above aspects, the upper panel, lower panel, ledge, crossbars, one or more uprights and/or one or more cross bars may comprise padding. The padding may be disposed across the entire interior surface of one or more of the upper panel, lower panel and ledge. The padding may be encase the one or more grab rail. The padding may a synthetic or natural fiber. The padding may comprise a carpet or a vinyl.

[0027] According to any one of the above aspects, the horse racing stall may comprise a step ladder on one or both walls. The step ladder may comprise one or more steps. The step ladder may be shielded or partially shielded by the lower panel. The one or more steps may comprise one or more external steps. The one or more steps may comprise one or more internal steps.

[0028] According to any one of the above aspects, the upper panel and/or lower panel may be secured to one or more uprights.

[0029] According to any one of the above aspects, the horse racing stall may further comprise one or more grab rail extending along a length of the racing stall. The one or more grab rail may be disposed at the top of the upper panel or above the upper panel. The one or more grab rail may be disposed to provide a fenestration. The one or more grab rail may extend in parallel with the upper panel and/or lower panel. The one or more grab rail may comprise padding.

[0030] According to any one of the above aspects, the horse racing stall may comprise one or more cross bars linking the uprights and or walls together. The one or more cross bars may link a plurality of horse racing stalls together.

[0031] According to any one of the above aspects, the horse racing stall may further comprise one or more starting door. The one or more starting door may be configured to open simultaneously with one or more other starting door on neighbouring and/or nearby horse racing stalls. The one or more starting door may comprise at least one of a front starting door and a rear starting door. Each of the front starting door and rear starting door may comprise a single door or double doors.

[0032] According to any one of the above aspects, the starting door may be partially closable to accommodate large horses.

[0033] In another embodiment of any one of the above aspects, starting door crossbars may be curved.

[0034] According to any one of the above aspects, the lower panel interior surfaces may be 550 to 950 mm apart. The lower panel interior surfaces may be 550; 575; 600; 625; 650; 675; 700; 725; 750; 775; 800; 825; 850; 875; 900; 925 or 950 mm apart. In a particular embodiment, the lower panel interior surfaces may be 750 mm apart.

[0035] According to any one of the above aspects, the upper panel interior surface may be 750 to 1150 mm apart. The upper panel interior surfaces may be 750; 775; 800; 825; 850;

875; 900; 925; 950; 975; 1000; 1025; 1050; 1075; 1100; 1125; or 1150 mm apart. In a particular embodiment, the upper panel interior surfaces are 950 mm apart.

[0036] According to any one of the above aspects, the lower panel may comprise a height of 450 to 850 mm. The lower panel may comprise a height of 450; 475; 500; 525; 550; 575; 600; 625; 650; 675; 700; 725; 750; 775; 800; 825 or 850 mm. In a particular embodiment, the lower panel comprises a height of 450 mm.

[0037] According to any one of the above aspects, the upper panel may comprise a height of 350 to 750 mm. The upper panel may comprise a height of 350; 375; 400; 425; 450; 475; 500; 525; 550; 575; 600; 625; 650; 675; 700; 725; or 750 mm. In a particular embodiment, the upper panel may comprise a height of 550 mm.

[0038] According to any one of the above aspects, the lower panel and upper panel may comprise the same length. In a particular embodiment, the lower panel is longer than the upper panel and extends further than the upper panel at the front and rear.

[0039] According to any one of the above aspects, the lower panel, upper panel and ledge may be integral or integrally formed.

[0040] According to any one of the above aspect, the lower panel and upper panel may have a combined height of 500 to 1500 mm. The lower panel and upper panel may have a combined height of 500; 550; 600; 650; 675; 700; 725; 750; 775; 800; 825; 850; 875; 900; 925;950;975; 1000; 1050; 1075; 1100; 1125; 1150; 1175; 1200; 1225; 1250;1275; 1300; 1325; 1350; 1375; 1400; 1425; 1450; 1475; or 1500 mm. In a particular embodiment, the lower panel and upper panel may have a combined height of 1000 mm.

[0041] According to any one of the above aspects, the horse racing stall may be 2 to 10 %

longer than conventional racing stalls. The stall may be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10% longer. In a particular embodiment, the horse racing stall may be 4% longer than conventional racing stalls.

[0042] The minimum width of the stall may be at 600 to 800 mm. In a particular embodiment the minimum width of the stall is 670 mm.

[0043] The horse racing stall according to any one of the above aspects may comprise one or more starting door. The one or more starting door may comprise a mechanical or a hydraulic starting door. The one or more starting door may comprise a front starting door and/or a rear starting door. The one or more starting door may comprise straight and/or curved door crossbars.

[0044] According to any one of the above aspects, the uprights, grab rail, cross bars, step ladder and starting door may be comprised of a metal and or a polymeric material. The metal may comprise stainless steel. The stainless steel may comprise 304 stainless steel. The polymeric material may comprise polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0045] According to any one of the above aspects, the upper panel, lower panel and/or ledge may be comprised of a polymeric material such as PVC.

[0046] Further aspects and/or features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein:

[0048] Fig. 1 is a photograph showing a prior art horse racing starting gate comprising a plurality of stalls.

[0049] Fig. 2A is a schematic diagram showing a top view of a prior art stall.

[0050] Fig. 2B is a schematic diagram showing a rear view of a prior art stall.

[0051] Fig. 2C is a schematic diagram showing a side view of a prior art stall.

[0052] Fig. 3A is a schematic diagram showing a top view of a horse racing stall according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0053] Fig. 3B is a schematic diagram showing a rear view of a horse racing stall according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0054] Fig. 3C is a schematic diagram showing a side view of a horse racing stall according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0055] Fig. 3D is a schematic diagram showing a top view of a horse racing stall with curved gates according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0056] Fig. 4 is a photograph showing an injury caused by a prior art stall.

[0057] Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. Additionally, some elements may be omitted from the drawings or from some drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0058] The present invention relates to a horse racing stall comprising even and/or planar internal surfaces.

[0059] The invention is at least partly predicated on the inventors' discovery that the design of conventional horse racing stalls are fundamentally problematic for horses. FIG. 4 is a photograph showing an injury to a horse that resulted from a prior art stall. The inventors estimate that approximately one third of all racing horses have a mark or scar on their leg caused by horse racing stalls.

[0060] FIG. 1 shows a photograph of a conventional horse racing starting gate 400 which has a plurality of stalls 100. The stalls form pens 102 into which individual horses are placed prior to a race.

[0061] FIGS. 2A to 2C show a top, rear and side views, respectively, of a conventional horse racing stalls 100. From the rear view of FIG. 2B and the side view of FIG. 2C it can be seen that a circular, horizontal rail 104 is disposed at approximately 750 mm above the ground 300. Through diligent study and observation, the inventors' have deduced that this is at a height that corresponds to a region of sensitivity for many horses. The inventors have determined that rail 104 is disposed at a height that when contacted by many horses during normal stall entry procedure elicits an undesirable reflex reaction.

[0062] FIGS. 3A to 3 C show top, rear and side views, respectively, of a horse racing stall 200 according to one embodiment of the invention. The horse racing stall 200 comprises a frame 204 to which is attached two walls 220 to form the sides of a pen 202 into which a horse can be positioned.

[0063] Each wall 220 comprises a substantially flat upper panel 222 disposed to fence a barrel and hind quarters of a horse and a substantially flat lower panel 226 disposed to fence the front legs at or below the shoulder and the rear legs at or below the stifle of the horse.

[0064] As can be seen best in FIG. 3B, the lower panel 226 is offset from the upper panel 222. From the dimensions displayed on FIG. 3B, it can be calculated that the offset is 20 mm. In other embodiments, the offset may be 5 to 50 mm. The offset may be 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, , 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 or 50 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the offset is 100 mm.

[0065] In racing stall 200, the offset is towards the interior of pen 202. In other embodiments, the offset may be away from the interior of pen 202.

[0066] The offset creates ledge 230 which extends between upper panel 222 and lower panel 226. In the embodiment shown, ledge 230 extends horizontally. In other embodiments, ledge 230 may extend substantially horizontally or at an angle that is not horizontal.

[0067] Ledge 230 comprises a width of 20 mm. In other embodiments, ledge 230 may have a width of 5 to 50mm. The ledge 230 may have a width of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 or 50 mm. In a preferred embodiment, ledge 230 comprises a width of 210 mm.

[0068] Ledge 230 comprises a solid and even internal surface 232. The ledge internal surface 232 is continuous and unbroken.

[0069] Importantly, to avoid injury to the horse and rider, upper panel 222 and lower panel 226 comprise even or substantially even internal surfaces 224, 228. The upper panel and/or lower panel interior surfaces 224, 228 may be planar and/or flat or substantially planar and/or flat. The upper panel 222 and/or the lower panel 226 may comprise solid, continuous panels or substantially solid, continuous panels. The upper panel 222 and/or the lower panel 226 may be continuous and unbroken substantially continuous and unbroken.

[0070] The upper panel 222 and/or lower panel 226 are disposed vertically or substantially vertically. This vertical installation and direction of orientation of panels 222 and 226 minimises any risk of injury to a horse upon contact.

[0071] The upper panel 222 and/or lower panel 226 are also shown to be smooth or substantially smooth. By having panels 222, 226 that are free from projections and also free from unevenness of surface and which are not rough the risk of injury upon contact by a horse or rider is further minimised.

[0072] The upper panel 222 and/or lower panel 226 may comprise one or more toe or foot holds.

[0073] To further minimise injury or inducing a reflex or other undesirable reaction in the horse, the internal edges of the racing stall may be bevelled. Examples of internal edges that may be bevelled include the ledge edge 234 and/or bottom edge 236.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 3B, lower panel 226 is U-shaped forming an integrated lower panel226andledge230.

[0075] Frame 204 further comprises uprights 206, one or more grab rail 208 and one or more cross bars 210. From the teaching herein a skilled person is readily able to design a suitable frame with suitable numbers of uprights 206, grab rails 208 and cross bars 210 all appropriately positioned and secured.

[0076] The upper panel 222, lower panel 226, ledge 230, one or more uprights 206, one or more grab rail 208 and/or one or more cross bars 210 may comprise padding 280. The padding 280 may be disposed across the entire interior surface 224, 228, 232 of one or more of the upper panel 222, lower panel 226 and ledge 230. The padding 280 may be encase the one or more grab rail 208. The padding 208 may a synthetic or natural fiber. The padding 280 may comprise a carpet or a vinyl.

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, horse racing stall 200 comprises a step ladder 240 on alternate walls 220. When provided on alternate walls 220, step ladder 240 may be provided on either the left or right hand side (with respect to the front starting door 260). In other embodiments, a step ladder 240 may be provided on both walls 220. In the embodiment shown, step ladder 240 comprises two steps 242, 244. In the embodiment shown, step ladder 240 is shielded or partially shielded by the lower panel 226. The steps 242, 244 comprise an internal step 242, shielded by lower panel 226, and external step 244, exposed or unshielded. From the teaching herein, a skilled person is readily able to select a suitable number of steps 242, 244 such as, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10.

[0078] The one or more grab rail 208 extends along the length of the racing stall 200 and is shown to be disposed at a distance above the upper panel 222 to create a fenestration 212. This fenestration 212 or gap increases visibility. The one or more grab rail 208 is shown to extend in parallel with the upper panel 222 and lower panel 226 and is shown in FIG. 3C to be enveloped by padding 280. In other embodiments, the one or grab rail 208 may be disposed immediately above and on top top of the upper panel 222.

[0079] Horse racing stall 200 further comprises one or more starting door 260. The one or more starting door 260 may be configured to open simultaneously with one or more other starting door 260 on neighbouring and/or nearby horse racing stalls 200 in a starting gate. The one or more starting door 260 may comprise at least one of a front starting door 260 and a rear starting door 260. Each of the front starting door 260 and rear starting door 260 may comprise a single door or double doors.

[0080] The one or more starting door 260 may comprise a mechanical or a hydraulic starting door. The one or more starting door 260 may comprise a front starting door 260 and/or a rear starting door 260.

[0081] As shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 3A, the one or more starting door 260 may be only partially closable to accommodate large horses. This can be contrasted with the solid lines in FIG. 3A, which show the one or more starting door 260 to almost completely close. In another embodiment, the one or more starting door 260 may complete close by having double doors contact or by having a single door contact frame 204.

[0082] Another mechanism that may be used to accommodate larger horses is to utilize starting door crossbars 262 that are curved as shown in FIG. 3D.

[0083] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the lower panel interior surfaces 228 are 670 mm apart. In other embodiments, the lower panel interior surfaces 228 may be 550 to 950 mm apart. The lower panel interior surfaces 228 may be 550; 575; 600; 625; 650; 675; 700; 725; 750; 775; 800; 825; 850; 875; 900; 925 or 950 mm apart. In a particular embodiment, the lower panel interior surfaces 228 may be 750 mm apart.

[0084] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the upper panel interior surfaces 224 are 870 mm apart. In other embodiments, the upper panel interior surfaces 224 may be 750 to 1150 mm apart. The upper panel interior surfaces 224 may be 750; 775; 800; 825; 850; 875; 900; 925; 950; 975; 1000; 1025; 1050; 1075; 1100; 1125; or 1150 mm apart. In a particular embodiment, the upper panel interior surfaces 224 are 950 mm apart.

[0085] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, lower panel 226 comprises a height of 400 mm. In other embodiments, lower 226 panel may comprise a height of 450 to 850 mm. The lower panel 226 may comprise a height of 450; 475; 500; 525; 550; 575; 600; 625; 650; 675; 700; 725; 750; 775; 800; 825 or 850 mm. In a particular embodiment, the lower panel 226 comprises a height of 450 mm.

[0086] Upper panel 222 may comprise a height of 350 to 750 mm. Upper panel 222 may comprise a height of 350; 375; 400; 425; 450; 475; 500; 525; 550; 575; 600; 625; 650; 675; 700; 725; or 750 mm. In a particular embodiment, upper panel 222 may comprise a height of 550 mm.

[0087] The lower panel 226, upper panel 222 and ledge 230 may be integral or integrally formed.

[0088] The lower panel 226 and upper panel 222 may have a combined height of 500 to 1500 mm. The lower panel 226 and upper panel 222 may have a combined height of 500; 550; 600; 650; 675; 700; 725; 750; 775; 800; 825; 850; 875; 900; 925; 950; 975; 1000; 1050; 1075; 1100; 1125; 1150; 1175; 1200; 1225; 1250; 1275; 1300; 1325; 1350; 1375; 1400; 1425; 1450; 1475; or 1500 mm. In a particular embodiment, the lower panel 226 and upper panel 222 may have a combined height of 1000 mm.

[0089] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, lower panel 226 extends from 1000 to 600 mm above the ground. In other embodiments, lower panel 226 may extend from X to X mm above the ground.

[0090] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, lower panel 226 is longer than the upper panel 222 and extends further than the upper panel 222 at the front and rear. In other embodiments, the lower panel 226 and upper panel 222 comprise the same length.

[0091] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, horse racing stall 200 is 4 % longer than conventional racing stalls. In other embodiments, stall 200 is 2 to 10 % longer. Stall 200 may be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10% longer.

[0092] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the minimum width of stall 200 is 670 mm. In other embodiments, the minimum width of stall 200 may be 600 to 800 mm.

[0093] All components of the stall 200 may be comprised of a metal and or a polymeric material. The metal may comprise stainless steel. The stainless steel may comprise 304 stainless steel. The polymeric material may comprise polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0094] The stall 200 may be constructed by securing the components by any conventional means. From the teaching herein a skilled person is readily able to select suitable fastening means such as, screws, bolts, welding and integral formation. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the components of stall 200 are fastened one or more bolts.

[0095] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the uprights, 206, grab rail 208 and cross bars 210 are comprised of 304 stainless steel and are secured together by bolts. The walls 220 are also comprised of 304 stainless steel and are also secured to the frame 204 by bolts. The step ladder 240 and starting door 260 are also comprised on 304 stainless steel and are secured by bolts, with the starting door being pivotally attached to frame 204.

[0096] Although the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C shows two uprights 206 and one grab rail 208, the invention is not so limited. Additionally, while only one cross bar 210 is visible in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the skilled person readily understands that for structural integrity a cross bar 210 can be positioned at the front and back frame 204. A skilled person is readily able to select a suitable number and position for the one or more uprights 206, one grab rail 208 and one or more cross bar 210.

[0097] FIGS. 3A to 3C also fail to illustrate how stall 200 contacts ground 300. Like the prior art starting gate 400 shown in FIG. 1, only terminal or end stalls 200 in a starting gate may comprise outside uprights 206 which extend to the ground 300. One or more of the outside uprights on these terminal or end stalls 200 may comprise a wheel 214 (not shown) to aid transport.

[0098] The invention also provides in a method for manufacturing a horse racing stall comprising attaching two walls 220 to a frame 204 to form the sides of a pen 202 so that each wall 220 of the two walls 200 comprise a substantially flat upper panel 222 disposed to fence a barrel and hind quarters of a horse and a substantially flat lower panel 226 disposed to fence front legs at or below the shoulder and rear legs at or below the stifle of the horse, the lower panel 226 being offset from the upper panel 222.

[0099] The invention may also be applied as a retrofit to existing conventional horse racing stalls. In the retrofit, two walls 220 are attached to a frame 204 or other frame of a conventional horse racing stall, to form the sides of a pen 202, each wall 220 of the two walls 220 comprising a substantially flat upper panel 222 disposed to fence a barrel and hind quarters of a horse and a substantially flat lower panel 226 disposed to fence front legs at or below the shoulder and rear legs at or below the stifle of the horse, the lower panel 226 being offset from the upper panel 222.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 3B, the one or more cross bars 210 linking the uprights 206 together. This concept may be extended so that the one or more cross bars 210 link a plurality of horse racing stalls 200 together to form a starting gate that can be used to start a horse race.

[0101] In this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising" or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

[0102] Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A horse racing stall comprising: a frame to which is attached two walls forming sides of a pen; each wall of the two walls comprising a substantially flat upper panel disposed to fence a barrel and hind quarters of a horse and a substantially flat lower panel disposed to fence front legs at or below the shoulder and rear legs at or below the stifle of the horse, the lower panel being U-shaped and forming a ledge extending between the upper panel and the lower panel, the lower panel being offset from the upper panel, the upper panel and the lower panel comprising even internal surfaces or substantially even internal surfaces and the upper panel and the lower panel disposed vertically or substantially vertically; and wherein the offset between the upper panel and the lower panel is towards the interior of the pen.

2. A method for manufacturing a horse racing stall comprising: attaching two walls to a frame to form the sides of a pen, each wall of the two walls comprising a substantially flat upper panel disposed to fence a barrel and hind quarters of a horse and a substantially flat lower panel disposed to fence front legs at or below the shoulder and rear legs at or below the stifle of the horse, the lower panel being U-shaped and forming a ledge extending between the upper panel and the lower panel, the lower panel being offset from the upper panel, the upper panel and the lower panel comprising even internal surfaces or substantially even internal surfaces and the upper panel and the lower panel disposed vertically or substantially vertically; and wherein the offset between the upper panel and the lower panel is towards the interior of the pen.

3. A method of retrofitting a horse racing stall comprising: attaching two walls to a frame to form the sides of a pen, each wall of the two walls comprising a substantially flat upper panel disposed to fence a barrel and hind quarters of a horse and a substantially flat lower panel disposed to fence front legs at or below the shoulder and rear legs at or below the stifle of the horse, the lower panel being U-shaped and forming a ledge extending between the upper panel and the lower panel, the lower panel being offset from the upper panel, the upper panel and the lower panel comprising even internal surfaces or substantially even internal surfaces and the upper panel and the lower panel disposed vertically or substantially vertically; and wherein the offset between the upper panel and the lower panel is towards the interior of the pen.

4. A horse racing stall manufactured according to claim 2 or claim 3.

5. A horse starting gate comprising a plurality of horse racing stalls according to claim 1 or a plurality of horse racing stalls manufactured according to claim 2 or claim 3.

6. The horse racing stall according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the internal edges of the racing stall are bevelled.

7. The horse racing stall according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising one or more starting door.

8. The horse racing stall according to claim 7 wherein the starting door is partially closable to accommodate large horses.

9. The horse racing stall according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the starting door comprises curved crossbars.

10. The horse racing stall according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the lower panel interior surfaces are 550 to 950 mm apart.

11. The horse racing stall according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the upper panel interior surfaces are 750 to 1150 mm apart.

12. The horse racing stall according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the lower panel comprises a height of 450 to 850 mm.

13. The horse racing stall according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the upper panel comprises a height of 350 to 750 mm.

14. The horse racing stall according to any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the upper panel comprises a height of 350; 375; 400; 425; 450; 475; 500; 525; 550; 575; 600; 625; 650; 675; 700; 725; or 750 mm.

15. The horse racing stall according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the lower panel, upper panel and ledge are integral or integrally formed.

16. The horse racing stall according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the lower panel and upper panel have a combined height of 500 to 1500 mm.

17. The horse racing stall according to any one of the preceding claims comprising one or more wheels to assist in transport.

18. The horse racing stall according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the frame comprises one or more uprights and/or one or more grab rail.

19. The horse racing stall according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the upper panel, lower panel and/or ledge comprise padding.

20. The horse racing stall according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the upper panel, lower panel and/or ledge are comprised of a polymeric material.