Karlac, I wish I had your knowledge and experience! I've watched racing and harness racing all of my life but watching isn't the same as doing.
All I recognized was the tangling of the legs and that the first Jockey stood up to steady his mount. I recognized the impending disaster that was present before the lead opened up. It could have been ugly and it's a tribute to the Jockeys who saved the day!
OK..... I'm asking. What is YOUR call on this DQ?
Flash
I think it was an unnecessary, less than knowledgeable and unfortunate decision on the part of the Stewards; and suspect that there was some pressure exerted that possibly influenced same.
Folks don't realize what a dirty game horse racing is, from top to bottom.
Told my Dad, an owner and licensed trainer, who owned the co-holder of 1/2 mile record for a thoroughbred, more times than there are Sundays that he was just too honest to be in the race horse business ... the main reason why I always resisted joining him in that endeavor once I got old enough to make my own decisions.
ETA: Jockeys are hired hands, and rarely ride for just on owner/trainer. One of the first things you look for in a race is watching closely any influence the jockey may be exerting over the horse ... from his riding position, yes, but more closely his hands.
I saw nothing in his hands that the jockey did, tried to do, could have done, to influence the horse into initially moving toward the outside ... not to mention that is something you normally would not do.
He may have been able to correct him in the brief movement, but that would be against instinct, and the usual good practice to run on the inside whenever possible.
Too bad, we will never know for sure ...
Last edited: