IMO, if a horse is declared a non starter,it should be treated like a scratch- all claims voided and no purse money.

I agree, the claim should be voided and no purse money.

Why does the gate crew stay in the gate prior to the start of the race?
After they load the horses they should get out and then the starter opens the gate to start the race. I think there wouldn't be as many problems.

OOPs they did it again. What's with these guys? Do they forget they are supposed to let go of the bridle when the gates open? #5 in the 5th at SAR. And the Stews take No action?

The gate person keeps the horses' head straight ahead, and hopefully all four feet on the ground, so each horse is straight and positioned well-centered and ready in the gate for the break. It's a very dangerous job.

Supposedly NYRA replaced many of last years gate crew because of the gate problems at Saratoga in '06. Maybe they should have kept them.

Gate Crew is not the only issue:
From DRF.com
There was some controversy at the post position draw for the Test. It was originally drawn with 12 runners as High Again was inadvertently left out of the field. The race was redrawn and some contenders drew significantly different posts.

Silver Knockers, a filly who has been saddled with an inside draw in four of six starts, originally had post 12. Now, she'll break from the rail, a post Nick Zito did not want.

"I'm not too happy about it," Zito said. "It's a Grade 1 race, I'd like to know how you could forget to a put the horse in."

'all bets on the non-starters will be refunded unless the horse wins. For placing and program purposes, the non-starters will be considered to have run for purse only. '

the horse ran, but unless he wins, all bets are refunded. declared a non starter doesn't mean he flat missed the race. the claim should stand.

you don't want to lose the horse, don't run him for a tag. had he been injured, you can bet your behind the former owner would be squealing if the claim was voided.

If they hold Sumwon at the gate Sunday they are going to have about 50 angry owners charging them.

saratoga 5th race
 

the stewarts should have at least explained what the inquiry was about-the non start was so evident -I've been at the track foe 50 years -this really was upsetting. jts

saratoga 5th race
 

the stewarts should have at least explained what the inquiry was about-the non start was so evident -I've been at the track for 50 years -this really was-
upsetting. the siacca horse almost took the asst starter around the oval- please look at the 5th race on friday 8/3 tell me if I'm wrong!

I've been at the track since 1776 and I have never seen anything like that before. And i've seen pilgrims in the infield doin' the doo!

So it happened again in todays 5th race, is this some kind of joke?

Today's incedent was Johnny V's fault. He reached down to adjust his stirrup and then reached over and held onto the bar on the side of the gate. The gate opened and he was holding the bar. The gateman let go of the horse, JV was holding onto the gate. IMO since the mishap was the fault of the rider NOT the starter, he should not have been declared a non starter. Can you tell I had Stonewood at 5-1 and got paid 7.20?

I know that I am late to the party, but I just saw the replay. The people who really got screwed were the people who backed the 8 horse with Luzzi on it. I don't know how he stayed on, it almost looked like the 2 piggy backed him for a few yards. I think the horse hit the board anyway, but that start took almost all chances of him winning away.

What's the deal with Johnny V?
 

I haven't been able to follow the Saratoga meet much during the week because of my work hours but I heard today that Johnny V. has been involved in four gate scratches/incidents in the last few weeks. . . Can anyone corroborate this and if so, what's going on?

Best racing in the country my friends..........gate crew...not so hot

Was looking for this thread and you had already bumped it.

Another non-starter in the Adirondack....too much....

I'm not sure what the guy was supposed to do...from the head on it looked like the gate opened - the horse reared up and brushed his leg while she was up on her hind legs...no real place for him to go at that point - if the horse breaks cleanly it's not even a discussion....Personally I don't agree with the call