I have noticed several eased and walked off horses that have came back in a short time and raced well. I can't account for this on else they are sticking sponges up the horses nose again or a least something similar to perform badly. Are vet required to check these horses after the race if they show that kind of distress after the race?
I think some of these are just a 'bad step' by the horse that the jockey felt could be a problem. The jockey then pulls them up to protect the horse and themselves. There also seem to be some betting trainers that use this to color the form of a horse for a future score.
I would be interested in a stewards take on this, especially when it happens to a big favorite.
