Ultimate Vinnie cannot keep this race - he has gone inside the track to get the run
PP highlighted this drive by Robbie Morris on the drifting 2nd fav as driving dead - you can see why but the stewards can't
https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fi...22#BKC17102211
DON’T TOUCH THIS – Stewards questioned driver R Morris in relation to the tactics employed in the event, in particular during the early stages when electing to shift down to the marker pegs from a running line position. Mr Morris explained that, during the early stages when trailing ERATIGENA in the running line, he believed that runner was not suited to racing without cover and believed it best not to follow that runner in the event and as such shifted back down to a marker peg position where he believed the stronger horses in the event were racing. Mr Morris added that, he believed racing along the marker pegs was best suited for the gelding in the circumstances as his runner can race intractably when competing on smaller tracks and was mindful of making a long sustained run out wide and looked to save as much ground as possible. Mr Morris further stated that, when leaving the back straight on the final occasion STRONG DESIRE did not quicken as he was anticipating and as such he was unable to place his runner under full pressure when rounding the final turn, however believed he obtained clear running in the home straight with enough time to run second but the gelding was reluctant to fully extend in the early part of the home straight. After consideration stewards determined to note his comments.
https://www.harness.org.au/racing/st...l/?mc=BK171022
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Ultimate Vinnie cannot keep this race - he has gone inside the track to get the run
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Unless Sam Barker objects that Major Delico took his run
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He only gets relegated back to 2nd and yet if he does not go inside the pegs he doesn't place at all
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Still scratching my head over R10 at Melton last night
The stewards had to think the gap closing was the reason for Vinnie going inside the markers or else he has to be disqualified
In which case I cannot help but wonder whether had Sam Barker pulled back on Vinnie and lost, he could have protested and won on protest
https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fi...22#MXM21102204
Maybe something similar to this ruling from last week was applied - we will have to wait and see the stewards report
The all clear was withheld to enable Stewards to review the footage in the home straight in relation to Allshookup (3rd place) racing inside the line of marker pegs in the home straight. After considering that Allshookup had already established a run to the inside of Dadndave NZ, being mindful of the 1.5m margin to Duke Of Dundee NZ (4th place), Stewards could not be satisfied that Allshookup had obtained an advantage to the detriment of another runner and all clear was then declared. Nathan Jack, driver of Allshookup was subsequently fined $100 under rule 163(1)(c)(i) for racing well inside the line of two marker pegs.
Last edited by Messenger; 10-22-2022 at 04:16 PM. Reason: Last week example
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When questioned regarding her driving out of Susan Is Her Name, (2nd place), driver Kate Gath explained she had tested the filly and removed the ear plugs in the home straight and as Susan Is Her Name was shifting inwards, Ms Gath attempted to steer and balance the filly as opposed to continuing to apply the whip approaching the winning post.
https://www.harness.org.au/racing/st...l/?mc=MX151022
https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fi...22#MXM15102210
I am not a whip fan but I did notice this
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I just watched the head on replay for this. Sam Barker should appeal his suspension and the owner of Ultimate Vinnie lodge an official complaint to the Racing Integrity commissioner. The Stewards should be reprimanded at minimum as their error is blatant. Integrity of participants includes stewards. The run was there and Sam Barker took it, Rodney Petroff then let his horse drift inwards to force Sam Barker inside the pegs. Betting patterns should be examined... to ensure stewards or any family members had no wagers on this race. Seriously disgraceful, were the stewards expecting Sam Barker to steer into the other sulky to "prove" that the run was closed on him? Most horses know how much space they have and move over accordingly so they don't get hit. Safety first, then common sense rule application please.
Last edited by Theoldfox; 10-23-2022 at 06:40 PM.
Maybe they should tell us what he was supposed to have done? Run was there as you said so once he'd committed to go there, what was he supposed to have done when other horse came down on him? Grab hold?
They're going in a straight line at that point so he gained no advantage at all and won easily?
Or not go in there at all even though the run was there?
Maybe they should tell us what the proper course of action should have been?
Agree with you. At minimum there should be a communique put out to explain what Sam Barker should have done in this scenario. If I had more time on my hands I would personally raise this with the commissioner. I urge Sam Barker and the connections to do so, this is the sort of thing that makes participants reconsider their involvement in the game. Injustice, whether perceived or real. In my opinion this time it's real.