The Dubai Racing Stream cut away from the race and at short notice I had to watch Text Updates on the Guardian website. Oh well, first time I've seen my horse win by text.
The horse that was interfered with wasn't second was it? If not, difficult to change the result unless the winner is completely disqualified. That would be harsh
The ‘offended’ horses didn’t even object it was the ‘eventual winner’ absolute farce imo but that is American rules and they made the right decision in keeping things consistent as it wouldn’t have even taken that long say in a $10k claimer but the actual decision was crazy! Thank god for our rules!
Just watched the KD and I must say I think they got it spot on. The winner barged out on the turn for home and stopped the run of a few, then he swiped back and took out the horse in green. Demotion was right I think, but it would have been a different result in the UK for sure. Also how unappealing is dirt racing on wet dirt? I’m sure the horses didn’t mind it, but it just looked a state. I vote that they move it to fibresand immediately
Sorry, Wooly, but 'our' rules aren't always fireproof***. IMHO this was a fair and just disqualification. The first-past-the-post horse just did not deserve to be declared the winner after his antics during the race. ***Guess the best example I can give you is the Spanish racehorse Royal Gait being disqualified by the Ascot stewards for an infringement against a badly tiring horse 2f out in the 1988 Ascot Gold Cup? The Ascot stewards really had it in in those days for American jockey Cash Asmussen? This is not the only dubious decision I have seen by UK stewards either. No, this then, basically, military clique were not bombproof by any means in those days.
Having watched the replay of the Kentucky Derby I think it was a disgusting decision to throw out Maximum Security. These were not experienced handicappers, they were young, inexperienced 3 year olds (this was Maximum Security's 4th run) and they were running on something akin to Blackpool Beach in January. Yes the colt drifted a little wide off the final bend but it was never a dangerous situation and he was by far the best horse in the race. Crazy decision to throw him out. Imagine if Maximum Security now goes on to win the Preakness and Belmont stakes .....................
Guess whichever way the decision went, many would have been left 'disgusted', that's always the way in any sport? (For example, I've had a 'disgusting' season in football……………..)