This week the Ontario Racing Commission Judges and the SC website focus on races Woodbine Racetrack and Georgian Downs in the weekly feature
, From The Stand.
Georgian Downs – April 10, 2010 – Race 4
A Judges Inquiry took place in Race 4 at Georgian Downs on April 10, 2010, concerning a possible break in stride by #5 Mirado, driven by Tom Durand, in the stretch and at the wire. Mirado was unofficially second.
While reviewing the Inquiry tape and the possible break of Mirado, the Judges referred to ORC Rule 22:27.
ORC Rule 22:27 reads, “When a horse breaks from its gait in a race the driver shall: (a) take the horse to the inside or outside of other horses where clearance exists; (b) properly attempt to pull the horse to its gait; and (c) continuously lose ground while on the break. If there has been no violation of (a), (b) or (c) above, the horse shall not be set back unless a contending horse on its gait is lapped on the hind quarter of the breaking horse at the finish, however, notwithstanding the foregoing, if interference caused by another driver(s) or horse(s) has caused the horse to be on a break at the finish, the Judges may, in their discretion, determine not to set the horse back even if a contending horse on its gait is lapped on the hind quarter of the breaking horse at the finish.”
After reviewing the Inquiry film, the Judges determined that approximately four to five strides before the wire, Mirado switched from the trot to the pace, meaning he was off stride at this time. The photo finish strip showed that Mirado was lapped by #6 Mystic Conquest (Rob Shepherd).
Therefore, the Judges placed Mirado from second to third for a lapped on break.
Woodbine Racetrack – April 8, 2010 – Race 2
A Judges Inquiry took place in Race 2 at Woodbine Racetrack on April 8, 2010 that looked at two possible violations during the race – interference by #6 Empire Hanover (Jason Brewer) before the start and a break by #8 Toocloseforcomfort (Paul MacDonell) at the finish.
The protocol for multiple Inquiries during a race is to address the situations from the finish first and work backwards throughout the mile. Therefore, the Judges first looked at the break of Toocloseforcomfort, who finished unofficially fourth, at the wire. The rule in question was ORC Rule 22:27.
ORC Rule 22:27 reads, “When a horse breaks from its gait in a race the driver shall: (a) take the horse to the inside or outside of other horses where clearance exists; (b) properly attempt to pull the horse to its gait; and (c) continuously lose ground while on the break. If there has been no violation of (a), (b) or (c) above, the horse shall not be set back unless a contending horse on its gait is lapped on the hind quarter of the breaking horse at the finish, however, notwithstanding the foregoing, if interference caused by another driver(s) or horse(s) has caused the horse to be on a break at the finish, the Judges may, in their discretion, determine not to set the horse back even if a contending horse on its gait is lapped on the hind quarter of the breaking horse at the finish.”
After reviewing the Inquiry film, the Judges determined that the break of Toocloseforcomfort was not caused by any act of interference. The photo finish strip showed that Toocloseforcomfort was lapped by #3 Poof K (Mark MacDonald) at the wire. As a result, the Judges placed Toocloseforcomfort from fourth to fifth for a lapped on break.
Next, the Judges examined the start and possible interference by #6 Empire Hanover (Jason Brewer) on #5 High Speed Film (Doug Brown). Empire Hanover finished unofficially third, while High Speed Film finished eighth.
The Judges referred to ORC Rules 22:03 (a),(c),(jvi), and 22:09.
ORC Rule 22:03 reads, “The starter shall have control of the horses from the formation of the post parade until a start has been determined. For purpose of this rule, the determination of the start is when the horses have passed the starting point and have been released by the starter.
(a) The horses shall be brought to the starting gate as near one quarter of a mile before the start as the track will permit.
(c) The starting point will be the point marked on the inside rail, a distance of not less than 200 feet from the first turn. The starter shall release the horses at the starting point.
(j) A fine not to exceed $500.00 and/or a suspension not to exceed five days may be applied by the starter or by the Judges for any of the following violations contained in subsections (i)-(vii). In addition, the Judges may place the offending horse for a violation of subsections (j)(iii), (iv) or (vi) of this rule.
(vi) Interference with another horse or driver during the start.”
ORC Rule 22:09 reads, “In the case of interference, collision, or violation of any rules, the offending horse may be placed back one or more positions in that heat or dash, and in the event of such collisions, interference or violation preventing any horse from finishing the heat or dash, the offending horse may be disqualified from receiving any winnings and the driver may be fined or suspended. If a horse is set back, it must be placed behind the horse with which it interfered. If an offending horse has interfered with a horse involved in a dead heat and the offending horse is set back, it must be placed behind the horses in the dead heat."
From reviewing the Inquiry film, the Judges determined that Empire Hanover did cross over and interfere with High Speed Film while the field was in control of the starter and before the start of the race. As the above rules state, Empire Hanover finished third and was placed eighth, behind High Speed Film. Due to the interference before the start of the race, High Speed Film was refunded for not receiving a fair start.
The Judges also addressed the fact the Recall Lights flashed on before the start of the race. In the opinion of the Judges, no horses in the race were interfered with by the lights being turned on and off, and therefore no further refunds were needed.
When the race was made Official, High Speed Film had been refunded, Toocloseforcomfort was fourth placed fifth for a lapped on break, and subsequently placed back to fourth when Empire Hanover was third placed eighth for causing interference before the start.
(click here to view the chart)
The Judges have received a few inquiries about the time it takes to review an Inquiry, refund a horse and make the race Official. There are three main reasons why this happens and they are outlined below.
1. Unlike in some harness racing jurisdictions in the United States, the Judges in Ontario talk to all the drivers involved in the Inquiry to get their perspective of the race and what happened. There are times it may take an extra minute or two for the driver to come to the phone, but the Judges believe in allowing the driver the time to state their case as to what developed in the race.
2. For any Inquiries or Objections, the Judges believe it is best to show the race tape out to the betting public so they can follow along and see what the Judges are looking at. For this to happen, the Judges need to coordinate what film they want to see with the TV operator, who then in turn must send it out to the Video Room. Getting this set up can sometimes be a tedious task, however we believe it is in the best interest of all participants.
3. When refunding a horse, it sometimes takes the tote company between 3-5 minutes to remove the horse from the wagering. This happens at tracks where there are larger pools and more simulcast outlets, as the money must be removed from all the pools at these locations. The Judges cannot make the race Official until it is confirmed all money has been refunded.
We understand the time waiting for Inquiries can be frustrating, but we appreciate your patience as we want to do everything possible to ensure the correct call is made.
If you wish to send feedback on this feature, or if there is a race you would like to suggest for a future From The Stand feature, please post your message in the comment box below. All feedback will be sent to the ORC Judges.