karlskorner
08-30-2005, 05:41 PM
This happens everywhere, not only at Saratoga.
From the Daily News 8/30
Chalk up another winner to the late blinker change angle.
Yesterday, it was announced that Fast Deal would race with blinkers for the first time for the fourth race. Sure enough Fast Deal showed improved speed and led the field wire to wire, returning $8.50, The rule on the books says all equipment changes must be made at the time of entry, which was last Friday. The stewards said they weren't notified until yesterday at 7 a.m.
According to the rules, it's up to the stewards discretion to punish or fine a trainer for the late notification, but no action was taken, The stewards said most of the late blinker notification at this meet were not the fault of the trainers, but because of failure of the entry clerk , who FORGOT to mark down the change at the time of the entry. With thousands of dollars wagered on every horse in every race there has to be more diligence to make sure these changes aren't forgotten and are announced on the overnight. The entry clerk must ask, for every horse entered, about Lasix, blinkers, and any other type of equipment. It is essential help protect the integrity of this game.
So far at the meet there have been nine blinker changes annoounced the day of the race, FOUR won, two seconds and two thrids. I doubt trainers are intentionally trying to fool the public, but with a strong 4-for-9 record something has to be done to make sure these changes are marked correctly at the time of entry. Otherwise, why have a rule at all ? END
At CRC, 2/3 maybe 4 times a week this happens, If you don't check the Racing Sec.'s office, the scratch board or miss the announcement your out of luck. I wonder how simulcasting people are getting this information.
From the Daily News 8/30
Chalk up another winner to the late blinker change angle.
Yesterday, it was announced that Fast Deal would race with blinkers for the first time for the fourth race. Sure enough Fast Deal showed improved speed and led the field wire to wire, returning $8.50, The rule on the books says all equipment changes must be made at the time of entry, which was last Friday. The stewards said they weren't notified until yesterday at 7 a.m.
According to the rules, it's up to the stewards discretion to punish or fine a trainer for the late notification, but no action was taken, The stewards said most of the late blinker notification at this meet were not the fault of the trainers, but because of failure of the entry clerk , who FORGOT to mark down the change at the time of the entry. With thousands of dollars wagered on every horse in every race there has to be more diligence to make sure these changes aren't forgotten and are announced on the overnight. The entry clerk must ask, for every horse entered, about Lasix, blinkers, and any other type of equipment. It is essential help protect the integrity of this game.
So far at the meet there have been nine blinker changes annoounced the day of the race, FOUR won, two seconds and two thrids. I doubt trainers are intentionally trying to fool the public, but with a strong 4-for-9 record something has to be done to make sure these changes are marked correctly at the time of entry. Otherwise, why have a rule at all ? END
At CRC, 2/3 maybe 4 times a week this happens, If you don't check the Racing Sec.'s office, the scratch board or miss the announcement your out of luck. I wonder how simulcasting people are getting this information.