You make some compelling points Harvey, especially heavier monetary penalties for these type of offences. I found it extremely interesting to see on a previous appeal that K Pizzuto withdrew from, then tried to obtain a refund of the $250 deposit citing financial difficulties and his reliance on driving to earn a crust. If you listen to TVOR's logic on these matters (I am sure he would concur to some degree), that the penalties applied to harness racing are already far harsher than the other two codes. Getting that realistic balance is truly a job for someone who is pure of heart and tempered with experience (not much of that around I am afraid to say). I tend to agree that heavier fines would achieve better results but no-one ever wants to take that step.
On the critical score of Pizzuto, I also have said my piece about him on several occassions. He is no angel, reckon if you asked him he too would agree. It is obvious to all and sundry he has pissed off people in the past and never thinks twice about risky drives. With the suspended sentence now invoked he will now do as you wish and probably some others as well and just concentrate on training for a while. He is on track to surpass Miracle Mal in the suspension stakes at this rate.
On the attack for the lead issue, I may well be one out on this, but I am (a) sick to death of seeing drivers afforded the lead simply because they signal their intentions for a short period, get the lead, slam on the brakes and gain an unfair advantage over the rest of the field completing halves of over 65 and copping piss poor fines of going outside acceptable sectional times, all the while stealing money legally...and (b) watching Luke do exactly the same thing applying pressure to leaders that cannot sustain that effort for that long and cruise across to the lead untested...(and that isn't a cheap shot at Luke either).
with regard to penalties, my issue is that giving 6 weeks to Luke Mccarthy, Blake Fitzpatrick or Darren Hancock and many other is not the same as giving 6 weeks to Kevin Pizzuto or any other number of drivers. There is no real deterrent for these drivers. The only way we will improve driving standards is to impose monetary penalties. Whether that be $1000, $2000 or $5000. I can guarantee you that the level of driving will improve dramatically overnight.
Could the reverse also be true, that a $1000 fine isn't as harsh on McCarthys of the world opposed to hobby driver?Originally Posted by mightymo
absolutely, thats why the stewards should be able to have the discretion to give weeks or $'s depending on the situation. Funnily, its not the McCArthy's of the world who need the deterrents...
Yep there is no one size fits all for penalties but if we suspend those that are making lots of money from driving and fine those that aren't that should do it!
Incidently does anyone read the race this way? The favourite should have eased when the only real challenger for the lead was Leading Lavros, reducing speed to conserve energy and take the trail around the bend, forcing the eventual winner to either take the trail behind him or continue in the running line in the death. Then the favourite eases out again off the bend or perhaps sooner if the eventual winner has opted to pursue the death, goes forward to regain the lead, Leading Lavros hands up to obtain the trail into the race behind, according to the betting the best horse in the race, with the second favourite now either death seat or three back instead of the favourites back?
Perhaps I've watched too much US racing lately.
Perhaps, or perhaps you haven't seen enough of K Pizzutos!!
Very good point Dot. Hindsight is a wonderful thing!
I dare say that's what Luke would have done had it been his horse being taken on. I have noticed that he often lets the horse roll off the arm at its own speed and gradually work to the front. This is consistent with how more and more races play out in the states as you suggest Dot.
Easy for us too say this of course and Jarrod was entitled to think in the heat of the moment that a 30/1 shot with little chance of winning would press on and force him to run a 54 sec half. Hence why he probably didn't hand up. I know if I was Jarrod I would have done exactly the same thing.
oh dear...
RACE 2 – HOT TO TROT ICON PACE – 1609 METRES
Pre race blood samples were taken from COME ON FRANK and VILLAGEM.
The all clear was delayed to enable driver J Osborn ( FEELS LIKE MAGIC NZ) to view the official Stewards’ footage of an alleged incident in the home straight. After viewing the footage J Osborn did not wish to proceed with an objection.
Following J Osborn’s wish not to lodge an objection Trainer K Pizzuto ( FEELS LIKE MAGIC NZ) requested to view the Stewards’ footage with a view to an incident that occurred near the winning post on the first occasion. No objection was lodged and the Stewards declared all clear on the numbers as semaphored by the Judge.
Stewards have adjourned an inquiry into the conduct of K Pizzuto in the Stewards’ Room during the course of his abovementioned application to view the video and also with his conduct in the stabling area subsequent. Given K Pizzuto’s behaviour on the night, he was removed from the racecourse.
On returning after the race it was revealed that GLENGOWAN NZ had lost an offside front plate.
Did K Pizzuto get a bit angry on this forum a while back?
Apologies if I am incorrect.
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