Re: Top Flight Handicap (372 Views)
Posted by:
bobphilo (IP Logged)
Date: November 29, 2006 01:05PM
Mike.
On that point you are correct. As the rules stand, If the stewards feel the foul was accidental they then have to determine whether it influenced the order of finish.
I agree with you 100% that the whip rule should be automatic so the stewards can concentrate on whether there was a foul at the spot rather than speculating on calling the winner from the head of the stretch. This would do away with a lot of controversy with decisions varying wildly depending on the interpretation of the stewards and lets jockeys know that being on the apparent winner does not exempt them from the rules.
While Garcia’s action cannot be proven to be deliberate; to recklessly swing away with a left-handed whip when he knew there was another horse right inside of him was gross negligence and not some innocent unavoidable accident. The rules should make some distinction between such reckless riding and innocent accidents and make such fouls automatic DQ’s, but you are right Mike, that is another topic.
Bob