Quote:
Originally Posted by Scav
Really? I don't believe this and while I really haven't thought the logic through, this seems not right.
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First off, it's a NYSRWB rule, not a "NYRA rule." A few years ago (after an incident at Saratoga involving the DQ of a Kimmel horse ridden by the Mig that was tons the best), the rule was changed from a "foul is a foul" to give the stewards some leeway to determine whether the impact altered the outcome of the race (akin to "no harm, no foul" in basketball). Because 3% of the purse is paid for 5th place at NYRA tracks, it would be surprising if the rule would only be applied for the first four places.
The description that you provided seems to be about the Pelican Lake incident (from August 6), one of a few controversial calls/non-calls at the Saratoga meet. (FYI, some of the facts in the description that you provided are misstated. For example, the horse interfered did eventually finish fourth, but there was superfecta wagering on the race.) In that case, I would have to believe that the issue was whether the Plesa horse (ridden by Prado) that was slammed very hard by the winner (ridden by Bridgmohan) was cost an opportunity to finish in the money. The stewards kept the winner up, but gave Bridgmohan days for careless riding.