Stewards Enquiry

[tbracing]

Cheltenham, 15 December 2012

2.30, fifth race

The Stewards opened an enquiry to consider the circumstances under which the top weight, WISHFUL THINKING, trained by Philip Hobbs, had been withdrawn. As the trainer had no other runners at the meeting they were unable to interview him. They referred the matter to the British Horseracing Authority.

Really? He was declared a non-runner at 08:56 according to the BHA website on account of the going.

13:55 – THE ALBERT BARTLETT NOVICES’ HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Registered as The Bristol Novices’ Hurdle Race)
Thomas Crapper (GB)
Declared at: 15/12/2012 07:02
Reason: Going

Nothing mentioned

13:20 – THE JENNY MOULD MEMORIAL HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 2)
Pepite Rose (FR)
Declared at: 15/12/2012 09:06
Reason: Going
West With The Wind (GB)
Declared at: 15/12/2012 09:35
Reason: Going

Nothing mentioned

12:10 – THE JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE TRIAL (A JUVENILE HURDLE RACE) (CLASS 2)
Dovils Date (GB)
Declared at: 15/12/2012 09:03
Reason: Going
Tidal Way (IRE)
Declared at: 15/12/2012 09:08
Reason: Self Cert (Going)

Nothing mentioned

Good old consistency from the British stewards.

[robnorth]

I presume the issue with Wishfull Thinking was that he was top weight and that his presence could have been used to compress the weights. Fine, apart from the fact that there are no entries in the race under the same trainer or owner.

I wonder if there is a directive from the BHA regarding top weights in handicaps, possibly valuable handicaps, instructing an enquiry if the top weight is withdrawn. Could be that the hands of the meeting stewards were tied.

Rob

[tbracing]

Good point Rob I didn’t consider that I have to say, may well be the case as it seems a bit odd otherwise!

[Gingertipster]

I presume the issue with Wishfull Thinking was that he was top weight and that his presence could have been used to compress the weights. Fine, apart from the fact that there are no entries in the race under the same trainer or owner.

I wonder if there is a directive from the BHA regarding top weights in handicaps, possibly valuable handicaps, instructing an enquiry if the top weight is withdrawn. Could be that the hands of the meeting stewards were tied.

Rob

Absolutely right Rob, there’s a directive that stewards have to hold an enquirey if the top-weight comes out. It happened yesterday too with Midnight Chase.

Value Is Everything

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