Saratoga 5th - No DQ?

[Rupert Pupkin]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

I can't dispute the fact that the 7 was likely not running better than 4th. However, if we're at a point where the only criteria for a DQ is whether it cost the affected party a placing then what's stopping jockeys from plowing into tired horses left and right? That's how injuries happen.

That was a ridiculously terrible non-call.

NT

I think you could make the analogy to pass interference in football. If the ball was not catchable, then pass interefence will not be called. Even if you foul the wide receiver, pass interference will not be called if the ball wasn't catchable because the outcome of the play was not affected.

In both horseracing and football I think the argument can be made that the interference is irrelevant if it does not change the outcome. However, I still think the jockeys should get days for reckless moves like this. There obviously needs to be some deterrent to reckless riding.

In the race in question, Bridgmohan got lucky that the horse he fouled held on for 4th. Because if the horse would have run 5th, I think the stewards would have had to disqualify the winner for costing that horse 4th.