I know the fog was rather heavy in Campbellville last night, but I'm pretty sure I saw the 9th Race favourite, Mcaracas, get roller-derbied in the stretch by the eventual winner, Keystone Raptor. I have to admit, though -- my eyes aren't as good as they used to be now that I'm well into my 33rd year. Watch the replay on your next visit to Standardbred Canada's web site (which is ridiculously ironic) for yourself and arrive at your own opinion. It isn't that big of a deal, I suppose -- it was only a $100,000 event that handled $148,867 worth of customers' money -- a total that doesn't include the money taken in on the Late Pick Four or the Pick Threes that began in the 7th and the 8th. Yeah, never mind -- I mean, at least all of the drivers reported to their horses two minutes prior to the post parade.
I often find myself in hot water when I share my opinion about a sport for which I have unparalleled passion, so I'll leave committing such an offense to all of you. What do you think? Take the time to leave a comment below and I'll be sure to post those which don't contain vulgar language. Leave your name, too, and don't be apprehensive -- there's nothing to be afraid of. If there is an issue that requires further discussion, it's one of accountability, integrity and transparency and everyone involved in the sport of harness racing is in favour of accountability, integrity and transparency, right?
I can be reached by email at thepetesheets@hotmail.com.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
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I saw the same thing. Even in the foggy replay, one could see Keystone Raptor take the track from Mcaracas...Mcaracas' head went up as he slowed and went offstride when his lane was pinched off.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised. I mean---come on---the Stanley Cup Playoffs have been over for almost a week now and The World Cup games are played in the A.M. Reruns of Seinfeld perhaps?
ReplyDeleteregards, benny beam
I don't know if you can tell if there was an obvious infraction without viewing the head-on shot of the stretch drive. Therefore a question - I wasn't at Mohawk - so was there an inquiry or better yet a driver objection? If the "involved" driver doesn't object then it's left to the "subjective" opinion of the judges to have an inquiry. Accountability starts with driver.
ReplyDeleteTom,
ReplyDeleteFor the most part, drivers don't have accountability.
They have friends.
best regards,
Louis.
Mr. Welsh has it about right. The judges are reluctant to make any call without 100 or is it 200% absolute irrefutable proof whether that is in the form of camera angle or affirmation by the driver of the "supposed" violated horse. We couldn't do any worse in this game by scrapping the practice of having to speak with the "drivers involved" which in many cases turns into other drivers behind the alleged incidents. Nice way to slow an evening of racing down by waiting for a driver to get to a phone and then many times not be fully forthcoming can I say. I have made the argument before since when did it become necessary to have the absolute greatest camera angle in order to place a horse. There are 3 sets of eyes supposedly watching the live race -- make the call.
ReplyDeleteregards, a fossil