This is one reason why the officials and their rules are archaic. Fouls should be subject to bifurcation. Imperialism was impeded, and Flores ride on Rock Hard Ten subjected Imperialism and his rider V Espinoza to injury. Imperialism was not going to either win or finish 2nd if Rock Hard Ten had kept a straight course. The officials could leave the placing intact, and fine and/or subject the rider to days. If necessary, the awarding of purses could be changed. There is no reason to change the placing and hurt the bettors. One of the all time travesties was when Dr. Fager with Manny Ycaza won the Jersey Derby in 1967 by more than 6 lengths and was placed last for coming in on the first turn of the 1 1/8 mile race. Ycaza then lost the mount on Dr. Fager to Braulio Baeza. More recently, Megahertz won the Santa Ana H. on 3/27/04 at SA and was placed last, although she was clearly best. It would have been more fair to simply fine and or give the rider Espinoza days without changing the order of finish. The bettors were unfairly punished.



Post Edited (04-05-04 17:22)