MY CALL - RACING STEWARDS POWERLESS IN THE FACE OF RULE 134 (A)
By David Fowler | Tuesday, April 10, 2012
David Fowler is the principal thoroughbred caller for Radio TAB. David, who is a keen form student and punter, has enjoyed a lifetime involvement in the racing media. His personal blog, ‘My Call’, appears exclusively on HRO.
Many may not have realised the gravity of Chris Munce requesting Risk Aversion be declared a non-runner at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Munce's case in itself was probably long odds. He claimed his mount was being held by an attendant when the starter released the field.
But here's the rub. Even if the stewards' panel found totally in Munce's favour they would have been powerless to act because of Rule 134 (A)
Yes, a rule as prickly as its contents which still remains controversial since it’s introduction seven years ago.
Horses placed first, second or third are exempt from being denied a fair start, despite what calamity can happen to them during a race.
So your barrier could open slowly and your horse could lose five lengths but if you finish in the placings you are exempt from the stipes' scrutiny!
But if you run fourth or worse, there could easily be a total refund.
The defence of the rule is a placegetter earns prize-money for connections and is often a part of multiple betting combinations like first 4's, trifectas, exactas and quinellas.
Understood. But isn't the main purpose of the racing game to win, whatever role you are playing, owner or punter?
So shouldn't rules be directed towards protecting "the win" component. Surely, that's where the priority should lie with any rule, not the protection of place prize-money or multiple betting combinations.
The argument will rage whenever the situation arises. Fortunately, the situation seldom comes into play.
But just remember, second or third after a mishap … no refund!
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Must make mention of Priscilla Schmidt joining the Brisbane Racing Club on-track coverage.
Not only does she add a splash of glamour but her form insight is excellent and her comments from a jockey's perspective are more than interesting.
The only hiccup is she is a temporary member of the team, itching to get back into the saddle after a Doomben fall last November.
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BRC TV provides an excellent backdrop to the day of racing.
In fact, it is glaringly obvious when it's not in operation.
Some disgruntled souls … never happy with anything … have aimed their venom at the coverage, citing "jobs for the boys" and "four figure fees for services".
I laugh when I read these baseless remarks and then get quite angry knowing the targets of these barbs are too professional to respond.
Let me take up the cudgel, with a bit of authority on the subject as I was the pioneer host of BRC TV before taking the commentating role in August 2010.
BRC is absolutely privileged to secure the services of Wayne Wilson, Bart Sinclair, Nathan Exelby and the like.
High profile, years of knowledge and popular in the racing community. Would the small number of critics prefer nobodies with limited knowledge? Sadly, probably.
And, in closing, the fee is a modest THREE figure sum at the modest end of modest range. FACT!
So drop the sour grapes and misinformation, guys. BRC TV is popular, economical and here to stay.
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Spare a thought of BRC racecourse manager Bill Shuck.
After several weeks of wet tracks which were slow in drying out, we saw a rare upgrade to a "Good 2" on Monday which prompted two late scratchings because of the reassessment.
Can you remember the last occasion we raced on a "Good 2" surface. I can't.
But the whole episode reminds us of the delicate balancing act that racecourse managers face, juggling weather charts with how much or how little irrigation to place on a track to achieve a "perfect" surface.
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A quick thought to finish off.
Why do jockeys, particularly interstate, treat the inside as a "no go zone" and chart wider and wider courses while winners regularly scoot along the fence.
Some of these jockeys are just "bias crazy", but who starts the hysteria to prompt all of this?
Remember, the rail is the shortest way home.
Until next week.
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