In dirt racing, horses go much faster early and decelerate sharply late.
Trouble early (out of the gate, and into and through the first quarter mile) is far more significant to a horses overall performance than trouble late (stretch-run) which comes while they're decelerating.
However, in regard to inquires and objections, trouble late is taken far more seriously. Most disqualifications happen in the stretch-run when horses are tiring, and their jockeys are resorting to race-riding tactics like brushing or herding.
Another unique thing about inquiries in horse racing, is that they run counter to officiating in most team sports. In sports like football, hockey, and perhaps even basketball -- players are allowed to get away with more in the late stages of a game. The idea being 'put the whistles away and let them play. No one paid to see the officials decide the outcome of games'
Personally, there's no consistency at all when you rule Race 11 a 'DQ' and Race 12 a 'no change'
In both instances, the horse who finished first came outward and initiated contact to try and gain an advantage.
The shame about Upstart's race was that It'saknockout was clearly not going to get by him.
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