Penultimate Fence.... No longer. Now the final

[Alabama Stakes]

Originally Posted by scanman

I understand why they did it, but I don't like/agree with it. I'm guessing that NYRA and maybe the NSA doesn't want the public to see horses coming down in front of the grandstand.

I hate seeing horses fall, but jumping is the name of the game. If a horse can't jump at pace, then move it back to the flat.

I've seen thousands of jump races and nothing beats watching the athleticism, agility, and speed of two or more horses coming to the last battling it out. Many times, in a contested race, it's the horse that puts in the best jump ends up winner.

Removing the final fence in the stretch dilutes the quality and effect of the race.