Sick horses

[Tom]

What's the deal at Mohawk?
Last nihgt, about 7-8 horses scratched by the vet for being sick?
Looks like they were scrathed at the gate by the charts????
What do they mean by sick?

[wilderness]

What's the deal at Mohawk?
Last nihgt, about 7-8 horses scratched by the vet for being sick?
Looks like they were scrathed at the gate by the charts????
What do they mean by sick?

Haven't you ever been sick enough to know what it means Tom ;)

In harness racing, different jurisdictions have different rules regarding that application of the terms used in scratching a horse.
Even "judges scratch" is really vague and covers many defintions.

I seem to recall that some criteria exists wherein if a horse is scratched under the definition of "lame" that the horse must remain off X-number of days and the Qualify. Since horsemen don't care for losing time (a week or longer) when their horse is in its racing season, "lame" is avoided at all costs.

In most instances, the general public just never learns the reason for a scratch unless we read a press release or a fine or perhaps know the owner or trainer.

There may be some rules determing use and/or application of the words used in scratches on either the WEG website or the Ontario Racing Commission's web site.
Good luck!

[Tom]

Thanks, Don.....just seemed like a lot os sick horses for one night.
thought maybe bird flu hit!