October
OctoberDifferent strokes
After watching the recent Epsom Handicap, I can only assume that the authoritites have given up on their new regulations re jockeys using whips.
I thought last year’s Melbourne Cup was a glaring example but the Epsom completely overshadowed that, and any other race in memory.
Strangely, it involved the same two riders again, Blake Shinn and Corey Brown.
Having seen the video of the last 200 metres many times now, I struggle to keep up with the number of times Shinn struck the winner (Rock Kingdom). It must have been 25 or 30. It was like watching a whirling dervish!
He makes Brown look half asleep by comparison — in fact Brown appeared to use his whip only three or four times. Totally unbelievable in a Group 1 race with millions of punting dollars at stake.
It’s clear to me — swap the jockeys and change the result. In fact, Rangirangdoo probably wins by a space.
Opponents of whip use will be crying foul and expecting a suspension for Shinn.
Traditional racing followers on the other hand will be wondering how on earth Brown escaped suspension for his lack of aggression.
I’m in that category, as I think the new padded whips are of little or no concern to horses — like throwing peanuts at elephants. Nevertheless, even I’m prepared to say that perhaps Blake Shinn went just a bit overboard this time.
One thing’s for sure — the racing authorities have surely created a minefield.
If they were involved with ownership, or had punted on Rangirangdoo (or Bauer in last year’s cup), could they honestly say they were satisfied with Corey Brown’s aggression?
A tip — they should stop listening to people who know next to nothing about horse racing and listen instead to those involved in the industry.
• Reply: Blake Shinn has developed a "backhand" whip style, which he used in the closing stages of the Epsom. The number of backhand strokes is not limited by the new rule.
North Fitzroy (Vic)