Originally Posted by
Showgrounds
I've never heard of Michael Ross but so many of us "drivers" never progressed past trials or fast work. This non-decision is not a joke because it is not funny. It is a slap in the face for those of us who have mucked out boxes, spent sleepless nights foaling down mares and sleeping in boxes with sick mares and foals. Not to mention those who fund the racing industry - the punters. Sugars told the stewards a fairy tale except their was no happy ending. Well, thre was for Greg.
It highlights the ineptitude of stewarding across the board. In past times the best steward panels included former horsemen, names such as Keith Greenwood, Leigh Kirby and Lou Austin come to mind. Try spinning them a cock and bull story and see how you got on. At the same time if you gave them a plausible explanation they would support you and not try to fit you up. Unfortunately stewards deal these days with some well resourced smarties that will mount a legal challenge or appeal against any decision that doesn't go there way. Overturning the convictions against the likes of The Cobram Three undoubtedly leaves the feeling emasculated when facing potentially controversial decisions such as the Sugars one.
The CARE principle comes into play.