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This seems to be a day for racing making itself look stupid.
First of all the debacle at Worcester.
Then more farce at Catterick.
Neva A Dull Moment certainly lived up to his name. Reluctant at the start he planted himself in front of the stalls. Adrian Nicholls jumped off and began to lead his runner back to the stalls. The horse then bolted and ran the full six furlongs full pelt.
He was caught at the finish and led off the course and into the parade ring, everyone assuming he would be withdrawn.
However no announcement was made and the remaining runners showed no sign of re-entering the stalls, just walking around in the searing heat.
After five minutes the horse re-emerged and it was announced he was going to take part. In this time some bookmakers had reformed their books assuming he would be a non-runner.
Adrian Nicholls remounted but 200 yards behind the stalls the horse planted itself again and the horse was withdrawn by officials.
The point is he should have been withdrawn immediately – there is no way a horse could have run to his full potential, having spooked, run six furlongs full speed, and he was worked up. Even more so in these weather conditions, where it is 28 degrees here.
He should have been withdrawn immediately, not only would it have had little hope had it run.
It was also grossly unfair on the other runners, some who had to be taken out of the stalls and were then left waiting at the start for a good six or seven minutes.
Agreed, and all the more bizarre when the starter is allowed to withdraw perfectly calm horses willy nilly at Ascot.
Haven’t seen the incident but I always assumed a horse was automatically withdrawn if galloping beyond the finishing line when getting loose?
Haven’t seen the incident but I always assumed a horse was automatically withdrawn if galloping beyond the finishing line when getting loose?
Only if it breaks out of the stall (or is part of a false start), as far as I understand. Will check that out.
Following the recall flag horses which complete the course in a Flat race or which complete a circuit of the course or fall in a Steeple Chase, Hurdle race or National Hunt Flat race shall not be considered as having obeyed the recall flag and shall be withdrawn by the Starter. The Riders of such horses shall be regarded as having committed a breach of these Rules.
Of course the stewards had two options in order to withdraw the recalcitrant runner as follows:
14. (xxi)
When they consider that through any cause a horse is or will be unable to start without there being an unacceptable delay to the start of the race they shall at once notify the Clerk of the Scales and the Starter that the horse is withdrawn.14. (xxii)
To order the withdrawal from a race of any unruly horse where they have reason to be concerned. They shall at once notify the Clerk of the Scales and Starter that the horse is withdrawn.I saw the incident and feel that a mountain is being made out of a molehill.
Ok, a race was delayed 15-minutes, it is not the end of the world.
When dealing with highly strung animals one has to expect situations to emerge from time to time.
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