Would someone be able to explain the rational behind NYRA allowing runners to be in a race, however in the race for \"purse money only - with no wagering on this horse\". It makes the race often unplayable as this purse money only runner impacts the pace scenario, and like the 5th today, runs in the 1-2 path all the way around, forcing the rest of the field wider. If they are in the race, then they should be part of the wagering field, no? bb
I know this horse was part of an entry, with the scratched horse being the other half of the entry. That would render the remaining half, eligible for wagering in New York. Now Steve Byk had a caller that said NYRA had originally announced BOTH parts of the entry to be scratched. Then they changed it an hour later and said that only 1/2 of the entry would be scratched, so they let the horse run for purse money only. I had no dog in the fight, but makes no sense to me. If they announce both as scratches, then stay with it. bb
it is meant to protect the bettor but in this day and age where it is easy to cancel a bet maybe a bit outdated. imagine this exaggerated scenario, an entry reaches the starting gate as 1 and 1A with 1 being a huge favorite with a fantastic closing kick ala Silky Sullivan and 1A being entered as a rabbit. Say you place 10k to win on the 1 and upon loading the 1 breaks through the gate and is scratched by the vet. Now you would still have 10k to win on the 1A but with little chance of cashing. running for purse money only protects the bettor in this unlikely but possible situation.
. . . just reason #58,348 why no one should commit themselves until the last feasible moments . . .