Jockey substitution rule need re-examining 
By Aalibaba (indiathoroughbreds@hotmail.com)

Kolkata
March 22, 2006

Apprentice Sreekant's riding allowance of 3-1/2kg proved a decisive factor for Way to the Stars who went on to beat his 12 rivals easily in the 1,200m Network Cup. The victory of the John Stephens' trainee, however, opened up a controversy. An objection was lodged by Daniel David, the trainer of the second placed horse, Regal Venture, on the grounds of contravention of the RCTC's Rules of Racing.

Originally, Rutherford Alford was declared to ride Way ToThe Stars but the jockey was substituted by an apprentice because a full jockey of a similar merit was not available.
Daniel's contention was that the Rule 142 (a) was contravened. The Rule reads: "…Stewards at their discretion may order the declared rider to be substituted by another rider as in their absolute judgment is of near equal calibre..."

Stephens, however, contested the issue that they had demanded Rutherford be substituted with C.Alford but the Stewards did not favour such a replacement. In their view, Rutherford was no match for a top-rated jockey of Alford's calibre.

The Stewards also offered a withdrawal option to Stephens before the race but the trainer insisted on running his ward.

Nevertheless, the objection was overruled, leaving the tricky issue, pertaining to jockey- substitution, unsolved. The rule needs to be re-examined in a broader perspective so that it is not misused.

Javed's Amourette, however, justified the faith bestowed in her in the Bookmaker's Association Cup. Alford had the Strom Trooper-Crepe de Chine daughter chasing Over The Rainbow till the final turn before making his winning run.

The race also witnessed the dangerous riding of Grand Ceremony by jockey Mark Reuben, who nearly brought about the fall of four horses, including the weakening Over The Rainbow. The horse was disqualified and Reuben was slapped a four-day suspension.

The CROS (Calcutta Horse Owners Society) Cup was an easy pick for Daniel's Dynamic Quest, a quiet-fancy at 4-1 while his tablemate, Cupid's Glory, was the public rage at 7-10. The Revoque-Tuscan colt had been on a repair-list for nearly 10 weeks after looking good in his morning workouts. He translated that form into victory despite his long lay off from the track.

Earlier on, Daniel's King Is Born made his three rivals look like a bunch of novices in the 2,000m Subianca Handicap. It was Robin Corner's Melodramatic who attracted the bulk of support in the betting at 7-10 but the Flitch-Melodrama filly lost hope at the top of the turn as King Is Born had established a sizeable lead. In the end the tiring filly allowed Renegade go past her without offering much resistance.

Daniel's Wild Flowers and Javed's Fighting Force also had to fight their way to victory in their respective events - the Soultline Handicap and the Stand Off Handicap, both over 1,200m sprints.

Wild Flowers lost some ground at the start again but the early pace being slow Chisty was quick to bring the five-year-old back into the contention. The 8-10 favourite assumed the charge of running approaching the halfway mark and the jockey kept her going despite a strong challenge from Zephyr.