The entire field for the Drill Hall was tested for TCO- this has to be done once the horses are at the course, and is done less than an hour before the race. I have been told that 3 horses were above the limit on the first test. The protocol then allows for a further test 15 minutes later. The trainers are present and kept informed of the test results of their horses. On the second test, only Main Defender was above the limit. Hence, as per the rules was scratched, and a third test is then done, to determine what further action will be taken against the trainer.
While it is obviously a major problem for punters when a strongly fancied horse is scratched for excessive TCO, this is clearly in the long term interests of racing- ie. to clean up the malpractices.
Let's be clear- the real villains here are the trainers who try to cheat.
The disruptive actions of the people who then blocked the exit chute are inexcusable- especially if they are connections of the offending horse, as has been reported.
What I find bizarre, is that Gold Circle management failed to have these protesters forcibly removed from the course. There were reportedly just a handful of protesters.
@PeterD,
GC Management showed their weakness in their readiness for such situations and their decision making process....
Absolute BS when the industry needs to suffer because of the actions of a few who know what they are doing is not fair play.... time to clean up and if the game is better off without these underhand tactics...who is comaplaining????? Bring it on bitches....
