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firefox wrote:
as who knows what mark has been left on the horse running a race in those conditions when suffering from an ailment.
That has got to be the main argument in favour of a pre-race scope. As an owner I would want to know if my horse had an infection before the race rather than find out afterwards. To race under those circumstances might at best result in a prolonged recovery period, at worst knock the horse out for the rest of the season. I take all the points about scoping being an inexact science with sometimes ambiguous results, but I would prefer to err on the side of caution.
Judging by the speed with which the result of the scope was announced on Sunday (less than half an hour after the race), I assume it was carried out by the Racecourse Vet at the request of the Stewards.
On many occasions, if you were to scope a horse before a race, eg Sublimity, he would have scoped clear. It can often take the physical assertions and stresses of a race for any sign of infection or mucus to be clearly visible on a scope and/or blood test.
Pond House have had a stunning season with bundles of big race winners, haven’t they – now what were we saying about the infallibility of pre-race scoping?
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I don’t think anybody suggested that pre-race scoping was infallible, Shadow Leader, though given the apparent attitude in your post I see little reason in arguing with you.
Whatever the ‘rights and wrongs’ of the practice prior to running, taking a view due to the fact that the likes of David Pipe utilise it is hardly unreasonable.
…but also doesn’t provide any evidence that it is a practice that should be followed – unless you believe our mate firefox that is.
The Pipe yard did win the National and Hennessy in 2008, two fairly high-profile races, but I know what you mean, Shads.
Colin
Is someone claiming that the Pipe Team scope all the horses prior to a run? They dont…..like every other trainer they only scope if the have a doubt about the horse…
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