I am very much the same FR. I wouldn't know Kevin Pizzuto if I fell over him! I can't see how flogging a horse is improving perception of harness racing. In fact quiet the opposite. Whip use is one of the most contentious issues affecting public perception of the sport. And I'm talking about the general public, not just punters. Unfortunately a lot of punters think a horse will keep going quicker while a driver hits it. Not true.
You lot are kidding if you think the SUSPENSION handed out to Kevin Pizzuto is harsh.
I am not going to comment on his innocence or guilt, as I have said many times on other topics you need to see all the stewards video coverage to have any hope of making those determinations.
But I will pose this question to forumites who demand consistency who was the last Driver, Trainer or Jockey in Australia or New Zealand in either code who when found guilty off a merits charge was only suspended.
I am an old man and my memory is fading I admit that but I can not remember one. As always I am happy to be corrected.
Minty can you confirm that this statement about Pizzuto cast offs and the relationship with the Padberg stable is correct?
If so , your seeming defence of Pizzuto's drive , when your family has a close professional relationship with him , might make readers question your reasons for posting here. Also you have only joined the forums when this thread was started and have never posted before.
If the quote at the top of my post is correct , your statement in another post here "I wouldn't know Kevin Pizzuto if I fell over him!" is rather puzzling.
Last edited by David Summers; 09-30-2011 at 06:26 PM.
$5000 fines and/or 3 month suspensions.....please Minty provide detail of these....they seem very light penalties for a "Merits" charge. VOR....are you saying the stewards should've disqualified Pizzuto?
Firstly I think Minty is wrong I do not recall the stewards imposing a "Suspension" penalty under a Merits charge ever and like you want details before I will concede.
I agree there have been thousands under the reasonable and permissible section of the rule since it was first around in the 1970's but none to my memory under a "Merits" charge.
I have not offered an opinion on the Pizutto drive and still will not for the reasons outlined all I am saying is if he is guilty of a " Merits" charge than the appropriate penalty is a period of disqualification from the game.
To my memory that has always been the case and this penalty moves into dangerous ground if he is guilty he can continue to train and now instead of driving them himself he can use the best driver available.
I am sorry but if that is harsh than I am an Astronaut.