Quote:
Originally Posted by ScottJ
Yes, there are three stewards and they are supposed to have independent oversight on these inquiries without interference. Agreed.
Yes, there is one and only one steward appointed through the auspices of NYRA. Agreed.
You have been verbal for players' rights in this herding environment. From that perspective, you are the only one listening.
If someone dies on the track (which is how this debate is going to end unless someone steps in), you can be sure that NYRA will be named as defendant and the whatever-defines-NYRA will be pretty well sorted. Unless NYRA can demonstrate that they specifically intervened with the entire set of stewards, it will be a very difficult position to defend as the racetrack operator. There has just been too much press on the issue to ignore the inherent rough riding risks which, to me, have gone beyond the risks inherent in the game.
Andy, we have written on Twitter many times before and I know you are not supporting the level of rough riding that we now see. You shoulder way too much "flack" for NYRA based on your very visible persona both on TV, the NYRA Network, and on your own time on boards like these. You seem to be the only one listening - or even commenting - on what is happening between the rails.
I am just happy that you are listening even if you are the only one left at NYRA who cares.
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NYRA need not worry about being sued for a jockey incident. New York State Law is very clear that a jockey injured while riding a horse, whether in a race or excercising, regardless of just about any circumstance, cannot maintain suit for their injuries as riding horses is covered by the doctrine of assumption of risk which is a complete defense to any suit. It stems from the Ron Turcotte incident in the matter of Turcotte v. Fell and also does not allow suit against a jockey that negligently causes a fall.