Yard Arm V Wolf Whistle

Rule no longer the same...

That was a great clash and many have used this years July as a comparison but this was a classic struggle to the line

An awesome finish, I'm glad to have watched it again. At the end two of our best fought it out and Shezi got the better of Striker that day. Another day it could swing the other way. They both did what they could to win it. Just awesome to watch racing at its best.

What a finish......

Was a brilliant ride for for both the jocks.

I was copied on a Bonski email and Mr B replied to all so I'm sure he won't mind us printing


Hi Andrew,

It is irrelevant what the outcome of the objection was in the Yard Arm vs. Wolf Whistle scenario, as the objection rules were different then to what it is today. Whether one agrees or disagrees with the stipes recent decision in the July is not important, what I will say is that it was a damn tough objection to have adjudicated on. For the sake of clarity this is what the new rule on which the stipes must officiate states:

"69.3 When an objection is lodged ito rule 68.2.6 the objection shall NOT BE UPHELD, UNLESS the objection board is satisfied that;-

69.3.1 a placed horse was interfered with by another placed horse and/or its rider during a race and the horse which was interfered with WOULD, BUT FOR THE INTERFERENCE, have finished ahead of the horse which caused the interference, in which the event the objection board shall place the horse which caused the inference behind the horse which was interfered with or it may disqualify the horse which caused the interference...."

The emphasis placed on the words in large caps in layman's terms, with specific reference to the word WOULD, indicates that the stipes should be able to determine, "beyond all reasonable doubt", that had it not been for the interference, the offended horse would have finished in front of the offending horse. Thus, if there isn't absolute certainty, the benefit of the doubt should always rest with the horse that crosses the line first.

This is in a nutshell what the rule "intends" to achieve and is how it must be applied. Whether one agrees or disagrees with the recent decision, based on these guidelines, is a personal opinion and as you are aware everyone in racing has more than one! I don't envy the stipes who had to make that call.

Where I do believe they stipes fell short (not only on this big day but everyday) is by not lodging an objection themselves. They are paid professionals, whom we should rely on to use their skills. It shouldn't be incumbent upon owners/trainers/jockeys to lodge objections. I can't help but wonder whether they would have lodged an objection on the day if the rider of the 2nd horse never objected, despite ruling in his favour afterwards?

Hope this sheds a bit more light on the subject and leads to less "uncertainty" amongst race goers about how the rules are/should be applied.

Bets regards,

Derek Brugman
Racing Manager

Amazing race and finish

Top jocks fight to the line

Two top jockeys, two top horses...great finish...