When to Pull up/Dismount…one for TRF Stewards!

[zilzal]

I imagine particularly after the events at Aintree this year and the onset of the new jumping season a discussion needs to be had on matters in relation to when, how and with what urgency/speed jockeys should pull up and when necessary dismount after negotiating an obstacle or indeed any other incident where any suspicion arises in relation to possible injury to a horse. Are forum contributors content that current practices are adequate? Do jockeys have too much discretion in the matter? Are current protocols adequate? Do racecourse stewards pay enough attention to the subject? Can contributors recall any incidents which have caused them concern over the years?

I chanced upon a minor incident in France last week which some of our “stewards” might care to review in the Paris Turf video archive. (Click on calendar icon and select 30/8/23 Compiegne Race(C) 4 “Prix Palomelle” and double click the 15sec FF button twice to arrive at incident) 2yo Favorite Crime approaching the 400mts marker seems to take exception to a lone bush just inside the rail and executes some kind of dramatic fly-jump. So what do our stewards think? Nothing to see here? Or should Mendizabal instead of continuing on riding albeit eased down, eased up immediately and dismounted to await a veterinary inspection before remounting? Do we leave too much responsibility with the jockeys?

[cormack15]

Hard mid-race to rely on anything other than jockey judgement.
Tricky though. If you are third of three and is a handy prize for the place but coming to second last your horse is exhausted. Surely a temptation to pop him/her over the last two and usually be ok, but what when it has a ‘tired’ fall with the worst consequence?
Tricky.

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