Att. Craig: FlyFirstClass and Other outraged puunters

Craig, i hope you can answer this for me. When FFC ran a few months ago (At Clairwood i must add), with Anton up, around a 1450m race if i'm not mistaken? The gate opened far later than the rest, Anton moved up in the straight like he could possibly win and then faded quickly.

What i'd like to know is firstly, where did FFC end up running?
Because from my memory it was 4th (But could be mistaken)...and if not, then what does Anton do in the straight if he thinks he can finish in the money, but probably not win...1) Not ride the horse out so that he's out of the top 4 and thus be declared a non-runner, or give the horse every chance of winning, even if he runs second.

FFC was rightfully scratched, but what i'd appreciate to know is the answers to the above questions, and/or what your discussion was/would have been with Anton, in terms of running a true race, or riding for it purposefully to be declared a non-runner?

My next question goes out for the clan to comment;
Firstly, Alec jumps out the gates, realises he's pretty much out of the race, but isn't sure if he's to be a non-runner, as there has been no declaration of a false start.
So, does he pull the horse out the race, not finish in the top 4, and then hope to g-d that the stipes agree the gate opened late? Because if not, his life would be on the line by the punters, and most probably not get a ride from the owner again.
Or does he ride the horse out, make sure he at least runs into the top 3/2, for PA/P6 purposes, and stake money.

So in other words the stipes are saying:
1) Yes we know our starting stalls are sh*t....but deal with it.
2) If you feel you have been disadvantaged in any way by a starting stall opening late, it is up to the jock to decide what he wishes to do: a) pull out the race....b) try see if you can still win.
3) We will then decide if we feel you had been disadvantaged enough.

So in actual fact the racing body is covering their arse's in every respect.
1) Starting Stalls- Equipment Malfunction
2) Decision by Jockey- Not Stipes fault he/she rode/pulled out race.
3) Find some 64.2.56.1.2.3.6.8.6.5.4.3 rule to cover themselves if they still can't put the blame on the above 2 points.

The next thing i have to say is:

How much would it cost to get these gates serviced/replaced?
Let's (for arguments sake) take figures of R100 000/R1 000 000 respectively.
Races 7/8/9 are now lost due to the starting stalls having a problem(and a bad decision...but at the end of the day was because of the starting stalls)
What is the take-back that is lost from these 3 races going dead, AND a usual sunday last race massive R1m odd quartet pool alone.
Could we say per race for Win/Place/Tri/Quar/Ex etc around R400 000 in terms of Pool values, and so an approximate figure of R100 000 take back...multiplied by 3 races, and a further R200k odd (In takeback) for the last quartet.
Here's R500 000...now i'm no professor in economics/business/maths/mechanical engineering...but from my half decent logic and common sense, i'd say this is an expense worth paying, in order to keep your clients(punters) happy, staff(stipes/jockeys) happy, and thus shareholders...because the "1+1=2" of business, is that one cannot make money over a period of time, unless your clients are atleast somewhat happy with your product...regardless of being a monopoly...monopolies never last, there will always come competition...in the end

I rest my case...

A very good article and i suggest you publish it not only in sporting post but send it to the NHRA and othet newspapers.
Its really a good article.
Send it to the owners of horse racing in SA MR Jooste himself.

Brilliant post

Bushy

Just got back.............Brilliant post

I take a little walk down memory lane:

www.africanbettingclan.com/forum/phorum-...66,319195#msg-319195

Hibs:

"Race 3, Arlington on 7 Sept. The gate of ITS IN THE AIR opened before those of the other runners. Starter called "false start"but most jockeys "didnt"hear the siren so continued to race. The stipes overuled the starter and declared all horses runners as they felt it did not effect the race.

Now today in Race 3 Clairwood, the gate of FLY FIRST CLASS opened after the others , he jumps and is quickly up with the pace but finishes unplaced. Stipes declare him a non runner and new favourite also out of the places.

How is this for inconsistance from the stipes?"


then...


Rob Faux:

"There would have also been a riot if FFC had run 3rd and then declared a non-runner.................................. and every PA ticket that had him a banker is out............because,ironically,he should have run closer!!!!
I think they need to consider that situation cos it could so easily happen and would be a real catch 22

I would be seriously be annoyed if my horse ran a place but had to toss the ticket in those circumstances..........lol"

Bushy, I spoke to the stipes. They are bound by the rule so we cannot change that without the rule being changed. The jockeys are obliged to ride until they hear the siren. They must not stop until they hear it. New starting stalls were ordered a couple of months ago. I personally believe the whole race should have been declared null and void but the stipes hands were tied. If all the jockeys had ridden their mounts out from the start like Anton, then the filly would have probably run unplaced and declared a non runner. Cannot think of what else was said at this stage.

Craig

I have just been told by friends, that was on course, that punters were venting their anger at Marcus.
Craig, Is there any truth with regards to this?

Apparently Marcus looked back and was aware that there might have been a false start but still carried on riding.
When some of the jockeys saw that Marcus was not going to stop, it was only then that they started riding there horses.
NB: Who was the owner of the winner.

ABC Clanners will remember that about a month (or so) ago, Marcus had done the same thing and rode his mount to the line. In this case, a false start was declared. Marcus's mount was scratched and the race was re-run.

I am told that things were really bad at the jockey room and stipes room. Punters are wanting Marcus to be banned from riding for a period of time. If not, punters DO NOT want to see him in KZN.

Again, this I have been told by some friends that were on course and part of those that were protesting.
They only left the course at 5.30pm.

Anton Marcus is a true professional.....if punters are upset that he did not toe the line....then fark them....(the other jocks screwed up...)

Craig Eudey Wrote:

---

> Bushy, I spoke to the stipes. They are bound by
> the rule so we cannot change that without the rule
> being changed. The jockeys are obliged to ride
> until they hear the siren. They must not stop
> until they hear it. New starting stalls were
> ordered a couple of months ago. I personally
> believe the whole race should have been declared
> null and void but the stipes hands were tied. If
> all the jockeys had ridden their mounts out from
> the start like Anton, then the filly would have
> probably run unplaced and declared a non runner.
> Cannot think of what else was said at this stage.

I do understand what the ruling is but in any situation where we have people in charge to make decisions, they could/can use their discretion. Else post a copy of the rules everywhere and get rid of the stipes. Certain situations need to have discretion applied, as this is definitely one of those times. People not in this could watch and know that the decision taken today was not the right one. The number of runners in the race! The quality of this field! Did the jockey know the ruling! But the biggest question the stipes should have asked themselves was.... Why did the starter not declare false start? Should he have? And then make a decision.

This episode has left a sour taste with punters and will have many more leaving the game. Racing has been brought to disrepute and stipes and officials are to blame together with errant jockey/s.(td)

Even Zimbabwe and Borrowdale can get it right as two weeks ago a false start was declred with a few runners remaining while the others ran the race in earnest, most S.A jocks I think and the stewards declared the race null and void.Well done to the Borrowdale officials.(tu)

Pirhobeta Wrote:

---

> Anton Marcus is a true professional.....if punters
> are upset that he did not toe the line....then
> fark them....(the other jocks screwed up...)


I don't understand you.
If Anton did not toe the line...then how is it the fault of the other jockeys. The other jockeys were just being sensible while Anton only had one thing on his mind.......to win by hook or crook.

In any case , it seems that you did not have any money on MS.

For a horse to be left so far behind ( MS) and only really ridden from the 400m mark and to come within 2 lengths of the winner says a lot.
Bring on a match race.

Agra....To win is the purpose...the other jockeys know the rules....run...unless you hear the siren....
for punters to blame Anton.....:S