&
were clearly bothered and cost an opportunity at a better placing.
Now the job of the Stewards is to place blame.
IMO this was a fascinating piece of film with many nuances and ultimately a VERY subjective decision that could have gone many ways.
First I watched the race as a whole.
Then went back and watched only
as though
wasn't in the race.
Then went back again and watched only
and though
wasn't in the race.
First let's talk about the start. There was contact between
&
which was initiated by
coming inward.
During the running
drifted inward taking the path of
&
Now comes the really tough question. Was
intimidated and forced inward by
who was also drifting inward? Did
cause
to shy away as he came closer? If you think the answer is YES blamed can be placed on
.
It's close but IMO the answer is NO. When a horse drifts inward other horses will tend to follow them down. Especially young green horses that are still learning.
John G Dooley said the horses were juveniles so that makes sense.
IMO the rider of
didn't make sufficient effort to maintain his straight path. Had he would the
continued inward and made contact? I don't think so. I say this because the rider of
did correct when he realized he had come inward a couple paths. After that correction
STILL continued his inward drift. Most of the damage had been done but I feel it made the case as to who was at fault.
DECISION:
DISQUALIFIED AND PLACED BEHIND
NO ACTION TAKEN AGAINST
I would tell the rider of
at morning film review that he could have reacted and straightened his mount quicker and to work on that.
