October
JuneMy three points
There have been some interesting letters in this column recently so I’ve decided to add my views. I believe I have sufficient knowledge to comment, having been in and around the industry for 60 years in New Zealand and Australia as an owner and breeder, and my wife having held an owner/trainer’s licence in both countries.
First, the number of starters in a race for a single trainer. This has been an issue for generations with super-sized stables, and I believe the number of starters per stable should not exceed three. Team riding does often become an issue, whether intentional or not. Jockeys riding for a big stable will do as they are told.
Second, I believe races at metropolitan and provincial meetings should have a minimum of five runners, with a scratching at the barrier being the only exception. Small fields spoil the spectacle, affect betting and, because the races are rarely run at a good pace, produce form that can usually be disregarded. Everything is a negative with three- or four-horse races. Keep them to the bush meetings.
Finally, on protests, it is my understanding that when a horse changes ground in a race the jockey is to stop riding and correct his/her mount before riding out to the finish.
We (not infrequently) see placings stand when a horse has shifted ground and the jockey has not stopped riding. The jockey may be fined or suspended, but the result is not affected. That does not make sense. If the jockey did not stop riding, the horse should not hold its placing.
Gympie (Qld)