Feedback on Advanced Warning re: Anton Marcus

I did contact NHRA, could not find original thread:

Dear Mr Dave Scott



I refer to Anton Marcus’s mount in the Race 4 (1600m) at the Vaal on 10 March 2011 and him refusing to comment on it.



The horse Advanced Warning (A Marcus) reared in the pens. Subsequent to it rearing Mr Marcus asked that the horse be scratched because it was the favourite. The Vet, having looked at the horse, was of the opinion that the horse was fine to race and asked Mr Marcus to continue with the ride.



In terms of the race – the horse was quick out the gates and raced well in 2nd position until approximately the 250- 300m mark at which point it faded, finishing 19 lengths behind.



Mr Marcus possibly didn’t want to comment because prior to the race his view was that the horse should have been scratched – now it runs and finishes 19 lengths behind.



As a result of the poor performance the Vets examined the horse post-race and reported – ‘nothing obvious detected’.



Regards





Denzil J Pillay

Racing Control Manager

Shocking

Boys get clobbered in cold blood once again,nice guys thats what everybody likes to read,our game has never been better.

The Vet must have X-ray eyes.....the horse was not removed from stall,walked or trotted......any comment on that ?

Marcus is not some inexperienced apprentice, surely he knows a thing or two about horses. Post race the Vet would have to say nothing obvious detected as he would look foolish if he didn't.

rob faux Wrote:

---

> The Vet must have X-ray eyes.....the horse was not
> removed from stall,walked or trotted......any
> comment on that ?


You mean you need to trot a horse around a bit to see if it might have sustained in injury ; typical arrogant explanation

I love Marcus - top guy and joc!

What would have happened to Marcus if he had just jumped off and refused to race?

The horse the next morning had a cut on its leg and apparently was not walking well at all. This was caused by the happenings in the gates. How on earth they let that horse run after playing up like that easpecially as it was such a short price and the start of the pick 6. Simply a raw deal without the punters interests at heart. Marcus was forced to ride the horse, if he failed to he would have been fined for not obeying the starters instructions.

Punters done in once again.


I agree with Rob Faux. The horse should have been released from the stalls, examined, trotted (in case he was lame), and then a decision should have been made. If it delayed the start by a few minutes, so what. Advanced Warning was the hot pot favourite and prudence should have prevailed.

surely the head starter & vet knew the horse was hot-pot favourite carrying many many tickets.... it seems they would rather let the horse run than have the interests of the punters at heart... what a disgrace/shame!

New Rule 1

If horse is checked by VET/Starter and allowed to run and wins great. if it looses. The horse is scratched and all punters refunded.

New Rule 2

All Vets/Starters must be certified Horse Whisperers

New Rule 3

If Jockey wants a horse scratched at start. starter must Scratch it all Jockeys are Horse whisperers already.

New Rule 4

If you don't like rule 1-3 don't nominate your horse