I don't agree with the fine but I do place some blame on JV. He clearly realized and admitted that there was something not right with the horse. He should have notified the track vet and demanded to speak with TP prior to going into the gate. Plenty races are held up with horses not going into the gate, or a shoe falls off, or broken equipment, or a jockey change. No big deal to cause a few minute delay. He could have insisted on a minute with TP to discuss his concerns. Then it's TP's problem to deal with.
Again, not blaming JV totally but in my mind he's the last defense prior to walking the horse into the gate.
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