Ok, we are all armchair Stewards so I have one here you should look at it, ponder over, then answer this question.
Should this filly have won this race?
Her name is JOVIALITY (I Am Invincible-Limbo Down). She is ridden by visiting 3kg claiming Kiwi apprentice Casey Waddell.
After missing the kick, young Casey gets her fired up very quickly and she charges up along the rails in the purple and white stars of Star thoroughbreds. From that point she refuses to settle.
But I think she may be the best horse in the field.
Once heads are turned for home, she tries for a rails run and is shut out. Maybe Casey didn’t call out or blow a whistle, or Brenton Avdulla, who rode the leader SUPEREL (Super One-El Mina) in the blue didn’t hear her.
Because he let his tiring horse run off its line taking Joviality’s rails run.
Anyway, once horse and rider pass that imperfect situation, she hooks around heels, tries for a run between Avdulla and RICCARDO (Exceed and Excel-Bennetta) but sure as God made little green apples, Brenton rolls off the fence and she gets baulked for a run again.
Then, and remember she was resuming, she finally has galloping room, she darts through it only to run out of physical and emotional gas over the last 75m.
Did the interference cost her victory?
Strangely, Stewards found nothing wrong with B. Avdulla’s ride, but instead hauled the apprentice in and told her to be more cautious when attempting a tight run.
Watch 📺 👇 Have Your Say 🗣 – Should Joviality have won on protest? Comment below
The official Steward’s Report follows: “Joviality raced keenly in the early stages and approaching the 600m had to be steadied from the heels fo Superel and again near the 400m had to be steadied from the heels of Superel. Near the 300m had to be checked when disappointed for a run to the inside of Superel. Stewards advised App. C Waddell to ensure that there is sufficient room when attempting narrow runs. Near the 150m shifted out and away from Superel and Riccardo.”
So, thoughts team. Was the filly a good thing beaten?
