A Judges Inquiry took place in Race 7 at Grand River Raceway on May 31, 2010 that looked at a possible pylon violation by #3 Keystone Gemini (J.R. Plante) and whether or not #7 Terrific Baker (Bob McClure) received a fair
start. (click here for the chart).
The Judges dealt with the Inquiries from the wire back, so they first looked at the top of the stretch to see how many pylons the unofficial winner #3 Keystone Gemini was inside.
The Judges referred to ORC Rule 18:08.02.
ORC Rule 18:08.02 reads, “if, at a racetrack which does not have a continuous solid hub rail, a horse while on stride or part of the horse’s sulky leaves the course by going inside the hub rail or other demarcation which constitutes the inside limits of the course, the offending horse shall be placed back where, in the opinion of the Judges, the action gave the horse an unfair advantage over other horses in the race, or the action helped the horse improve its position in the race. In addition, when an act of interference causes a horse or part of the horse’s sulky to cross the inside limits of the course, and the horse is placed by the Judges, the offending horse shall be placed behind the horse with which it interfered. Drivers, who in the opinion of the Judges, leave the racing strip when not forced to do so as a result of the actions of another driver and/or horse may be fined or suspended by the Judges.”
After reviewing the Inquiry film, the front tower and pan shots showed the Judges that #3 Keystone Gemini was inside one pylon and hit two others at the top of the stretch. Using the red pylon where the passing lane starts and working back two pylons, the Judges determined #3 Keystone Gemini hit that first white pylon, was inside the final white pylon and then also hit the red pylon. The Judges ruled that #3 Keystone Gemini did not gain any unfair advantage by going inside one pylon and thus, was not in violation of ORC Rule 18:08.02.
Next, the Judges looked at the start and whether #7 Terrific Baker (Bob McClure) received a fair start, using ORC Rules 22:03(k) and (l).
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.
(k) The Fair Start Pole is a pole erected at the point approximately 200 feet before the start. The Fair Start Pole shall be yellow in colour and protrude at least two feet above the inner rail.
(l) If a horse has not reached the Fair Start Pole when the horses are released at the starting point by the starter, the Judges shall cause the inquiry sign to be displayed immediately and shall request the horse be scratched from the mutuels.”
From reviewing the Inquiry tape, the Judges ruled that #7 Terrific Baker had not reached the Fair Start Pole when the horses were released and therefore #7 Terrific Baker was a pari-mutuel refund, as per ORC Rule 22:03(l).
As a result of the double Inquiry, #7 Terrific Baker was refunded and #3 Keystone Gemini was made the official winner.
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.