Non disqualification of Goldikova

[dodie]

I lost my real interest in horse racing years ago, but I do get sucked in by the big days.  The failure of the stewards to disqualify, nay, even post an inquiry, after Goldikova came out borders on criminal.  Let me say upfront that the non-disqualification made my main bet of a head to head wager of Goldie over Gio Ponte a winner, So I benefitted financially.  I can rationalize with the best of them as to why they let it stand.  \"International relations,\" P Val shouldn\'t be allowed to be riding anyway, \"didn\'t effect the final placings,\" etc, etc, blah, blah, blah.  The guys that scream about the stewards by and large are just airing sour grapes in the majority of cases.  But this was glaring.  I would love to just sit down across the table from these stewards, calm, clear eyed, my heart full of compassion for my fellow man, and gently listen to them explain the reasons for their decision.  Ultimately, I cannot imagine how I would not walk away with any feeling other than, just like Jeff Mullins, the Churchill stewards think those who  bet on horse racing are fools.
  I could go on and on, but I\'m mainly just posting this to read what I consider the opinions of some of the most informed horseplayers out there.

[Boscar Obarra]

I posted last week about a race in NY where the horse did the same thing, slammed another while looking for room to run in the stretch. He stayed.

[dodie]

I\'ve re-read my post and settled down, realizing that I sound like the kind of guy who is so cynical and jaded he also hates sunshine, blowjobs, and the polio vacine.;-) I just wish the sport could do better for itself on a day when neophytes see these guys in their booth looking at the replays, and then do nothing.  Fourth race on a Wednesday night at Retama, ok, whatever.  I firmly believe it all comes out in the wash, etc, etc.  But gambling is not the lifeblood of the NBA or the NFL, and they pretty much get it right when they actually review a call.  Horse racing is different.  There is no breeders cup without betting revenues.  Or wait, maybe there is.  Sunk costs are pretty much taken care of already.  Who needs all this parimutuel nonsense.

[plasticman]

I think one of the problems with this situation was the commentators were so convinced there would be a DQ, that their nonsense got into our heads and that was a huge factor in our disgust that there was no actual DQ.

The cameras showed the judges in the booth and Jerry and the host were saying that a DQ was a \"fait accompli\' and they (the judges) were just \'discussing\' where to place Goldy.

This incorrect information from the television commentators is what is what is helping fuel America\'s disgust of a non DQ.

I was thinking that there would be a DQ, but i wasnt as sure as the Jerry Bailey\'s of the world. One of the things that Bailey failed to mention was that this wasn\'t an inquiry, it was just an objection from an out of town jock. Its not like it was calvin who made this claim, it was a jock from a different jurisdiction.

Why there wasnt an inquiry is anyone\'s guess as there appeared to be enough to warrant a look. Maybe the judges figured that Goldy didnt affect any placings and that she was European and since Churchill had strained relations with several Euro trainers, they didnt want to make it worse by taking down one of their most popular horses.

[dodie]

Insightful plasticman.  I\'d like to think I\'m immune from the media telling what to think, but I know I am not.  Bailey\'s, but especially Moss\'s, comments definitely influenced me.  Boscar is right too.  There are steward decisions more frequently than I would like to admit that are just plain wrong.

[MO]

Churchill had strained relations with several Euro trainers, they didnt want to make it worse by taking down one of their most popular horses.


Bingo!

[dodie]

The law of unintended consequences.  CD doesn\'t put dogs up on the turf course to let the euros get a jog in, so that means they can do whatever they want in the race.
 This really does explain it pretty well.  Thanks MO.

[aqueductpaco]

how about having gio ponti in the 3 spot for the tri?

[dodie]

It is more important to the Breeder\'s Cup corporation, the Churchill Downs Corporation, and all the other corporation corporations to maintain relations with the European horseracing corporations than it is to maintain good relations with the idiots, I mean bettors, that bet on horse racing.  That is why they chose to not insult the European connections of Goldikova by even posting an inquiry.

[dodie]

How about disqualifying Goldikova as would be proper according to the rules of racing, past precedent, blah blah blah.  Then send a letter to every European owner trainer and corporation explaining exactly why they did not allow the Euros to gallop over the course and apologizing, or no, sorry, we never apologize, send a letter empathizing with any challenges that may have caused.  Then also explain why it was in the best interests of horse racing overall to have to unfortunately disqualify Goldikova.  Then close the communication with discounts, offers, whatever backstroking it takes to make them all feel special and make sure they come back next year.

[Rick B.]

dodie Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Then also explain why it was in the best
> interests of horse racing overall to have to
> unfortunately disqualify Goldikova.  

I\'d love to hear this myself.

> Then close the communication with discounts, offers,
> whatever backstroking it takes to make them all feel
> special and make sure they come back next year.

Yes. 25 cents off of a McRib Value Meal perhaps...which would ever enforce their perceptions of us as the loutish, ugly Americans that we are. (Well, some of us.)

[Flighted Iron]

Dodie,


 
Said Kentucky Horse Racing Commission steward John Veitch, "We felt it didn't affect the outcome. We thought (Courageous Cat) was done."

I\'d imagine veitch owes quite a few people a kiss.I for one like to be kissed
before i\'m f*&^@$.

Flighted iron

[sighthound]

What is going on here?   There WAS an inquiry, the jock filed an objection.

Anybody who thought Courageous Cat\'s run was stopped by Goldikova needs to watch a thousand more horse races.  That horse was done.  He didn\'t lose any run.  He had no run.

[spa]

She shouldn\'t have been taken down....the boys spoke too soon

[plasticman]

What about the other few horses who got fanned out? CC wasnt the only horse who was bothered.