Jockey shenanigans mar BC prep races

[Cannon Shell]

The real irony is that in speaking to a bunch of trainers, officials, owners and jockeys I have found support for suspending Espinoza and support for not suspending him. Probably close to 50-50.

I can see if there was a pre existing warning, him getting days here. I could see it if the Stewards had been proactive against similar aggressive riding tactics recently.

I think they are simply punishing Espinoza because of grumbling about a popular horse (you know one of those that may "save" racing) and an unpopular trainer who almost benefited.

Stewards are generally bad enough already. If we start letting popularity bleed into the decisions...

[golfer]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

The real irony is that in speaking to a bunch of trainers, officials, owners and jockeys I have found support for suspending Espinoza and support for not suspending him. Probably close to 50-50.

I can see if there was a pre existing warning, him getting days here. I could see it if the Stewards had been proactive against similar aggressive riding tactics recently.

I think they are simply punishing Espinoza because of grumbling about a popular horse (you know one of those that may "save" racing) and an unpopular trainer who almost benefited.

Stewards are generally bad enough already. If we start letting popularity bleed into the decisions...

2 things here. #1, I can understand your concern, because if YOU were held responsible for the rides of Pedro Cotto Jr, you'd have every right to be worried about a lifetime suspension

But more importantly, IMO, literally seconds after the Cali race ended Jerry Bailey called out Victor Espinoza's ride. Now, some may not like Jerry Bailey, but I think it would be difficult to call him clueless about race riding?

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by golfer

2 things here. #1, I can understand your concern, because if YOU were held responsible for the rides of Pedro Cotto Jr, you'd have every right to be worried about a lifetime suspension

But more importantly, IMO, literally seconds after the Cali race ended Jerry Bailey called out Victor Espinoza's ride. Now, some may not like Jerry Bailey, but I think it would be difficult to call him clueless about race riding?

No one is saying that it wasnt exactly what it looked like, but the question is does he deserve a suspension because of it? Name another case like this where a jockey got suspended for floating a horse a extra path wide. I cant think of a single one in 30 years. He didnt make contact woth the other horse, he didnt cut him off, he didnt put him in a dangerous sport regardless of what jms says, being wide is not dangerous. It is actually where jockeys who dont like the way their mounts are traveling go.

This idea that the horse was 7 wide or used as a battering ram is exaggerated.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZYIKaXPtPU


Denman called him 4 wide in the 1st turn

[golfer]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

No one is saying that it wasnt exactly what it looked like, but the question is does he deserve a suspension because of it? Name another case like this where a jockey got suspended for floating a horse a extra path wide. I cant think of a single one in 30 years. He didnt make contact woth the other horse, he didnt cut him off, he didnt put him in a dangerous sport regardless of what jms says, being wide is not dangerous. It is actually where jockeys who dont like the way their mounts are traveling go.

This idea that the horse was 7 wide or used as a battering ram is exaggerated.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZYIKaXPtPU


Denman called him 4 wide in the 1st turn

How about this possible scenario/solution. Do what the NHL does when it comes to supplemental discipline (former players are in charge of the "player safety" position), put former Jockey's in the position to make the determination, as opposed to Stewards, who you quite rightfully don't trust to understand the nuances of what occurred?

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by golfer

How about this possible scenario/solution. Do what the NHL does when it comes to supplemental discipline (former players are in charge of the "player safety" position), put former Jockey's in the position to make the determination, as opposed to Stewards, who you quite rightfully don't trust to understand the nuances of what occurred?

Far too many Stewards are ex jockeys which is why we have many of these issues already. The NFL doesnt employ ex NFL players as refs because you dont have to have played to be able to interpret the rules and identify violations.

I would prefer to see a system of fines as opposed to days anyway. With reduced schedules a lot of those days are dark anyway and often simply wind up being a vacation. Meanwhile the connections that had Espinoza booked for this weeks stakes races (and other smaller ones) are left scrambling at the last minute to find a replacement who most likely in a larger field is going to be inferior.

[Jay Frederick]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

I would prefer to see a system of fines as opposed to days anyway. With reduced schedules a lot of those days are dark anyway and often simply wind up being a vacation. Meanwhile the connections that had Espinoza booked for this weeks stakes races (and other smaller ones) are left scrambling at the last minute to find a replacement who most likely in a larger field is going to be inferior.

This is a good idea. And I appreicate you talking candidly about this.

The sad truth is social media plays a part in sports, and life now. And as flawed as it is, it has actually done some good. Look at the NFL. It took backlash from social media (and every other human being not name Roger Goodell) to properly punish Ray Rice.

We might be asking for things in a different way, but I think the crux of it all is most people agree there needs to be some changes. What and how to enforce them are not as easily pinpointed but doesn't meant they shouldn't happen.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by Jay Frederick

This is a good idea. And I appreicate you talking candidly about this.

The sad truth is social media plays a part in sports, and life now. And as flawed as it is, it has actually done some good. Look at the NFL. It took backlash from social media (and every other human being not name Roger Goodell) to properly punish Ray Rice.

We might be asking for things in a different way, but I think the crux of it all is most people agree there needs to be some changes. What and how to enforce them are not as easily pinpointed but doesn't meant they shouldn't happen.

Agreed but some changes that people want in racing arent always ones that they will continue to like once implemented.