This week the Ontario Racing Commission Judges and the SC website focus on a race at Western Fair in the weekly feature, From The Stand
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Western Fair Raceway – March 30, 2010 – Race 3
A Judges Inquiry took place in Race 3 at Western Fair Raceway on March 30, 2010, concerning the break of #5 Last Art On Deck, driven by Mike Sumner, in the stretch drive. Last Art On Deck finished 4th and was off stride at the wire.
While reviewing the stretch drive and break of #5 Last Art On Deck, 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 inside 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 tape, it was determined there was no interference that caused Last Art On Deck to make a break. The photo finish strip showed that Last Art On Deck was lapped on by #7 Bay Street (Dave Wall). Therefore, Last Art On Deck was placed from 4th to 5th for a lapped on break.
Furthermore, the Judges reviewed to see if, in their opinion, Last Art On Deck continuously lost ground while on the break. For the period of time that Last Art On Deck was off stride, the Judges felt he did not continuously lose ground. As a result, Last Art On Deck was placed behind #2 Blonde N Lucky (Alfie Carroll), who finished 6th.
After the double placing, Last Art On Deck finished 4th and was placed 5th for a lapped on break, then placed 6th for failing to continuously lose ground while on a break.
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