I have found the main bone of contention for the trots of getting 'burnt' is becoming locked in a pocket and never seeing the light of day!! solve that one.
I have found the main bone of contention for the trots of getting 'burnt' is becoming locked in a pocket and never seeing the light of day!! solve that one.
I think the point needs to be made that, if stands only occur on the odd high profile race, then the probability will be that horses and horse men will not have acquired the necessary experience to fly the stand.
If standing starts were to occur with increased regularity on lower tiered racing, then that would improve the skill and experience of the horse and driver.
Anything to avoid the, 'all in a indian line' style of American racing. It is just plain boring.
For those of you who saw last night's running of the 2015 Auckland Cup (version 1), it will be the last of its kind (2700m mobile).
The ATC has decided that the race will revert to its original format and date of 3200m stand on 31 December each year.
We'll have the case for standing starts and the case against in the next edition of Harness Racing Victoria's glossy magazine, the Harness Racer.
Case for by Paul Courts, case against by Adam Hamilton. Should make an interesting read. #Debate
Thanks for that Cody, would love to see a few more participants in the debate than just 2 and would also like to see a bit more depth in Harness racing experience, Adam anad Paul are great advocates and commentators for the game, but a view point from some trainers and drivers would add a bit more I think.
Totally agree with Dan and Wayne's comments, It's a massive issue and needs to be discussed with a panel of more than 2 people.
If you have time have a look at the Boort Pacing Cup video from Sunday,
Not sure that all got a fair and equal start.
If they did then Paul Gadsdens drive to get from post 6 to behind the leader, then use the sprint lane to pass in the straight, wa a very good drive.
However there is inconsistency re the approach of the starters... the Boort start was from a stand, while others recently have been walk-ups.