The regulatory body that oversees Thoroughbred racing in the Canadian province of Manitoba has ruled that no rules of Thoroughbred racing were violated in an oddly run race at Assiniboia Downs on July 20.
“The Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (LGCA) initiated our standard investigative process at the completion of race 5 on July 20, 2022 held at Assiniboia Downs,” a statement from the organization read. “Steps included interviewing witnesses, video replay analysis and reviewing wagering data. After this investigation, the LGCA determined that no rules of thoroughbred racing were violated and therefore, no adjustments to the order of finish are required.”
The Manitoba Jockey Club, operators of Assiniboia Downs, formally requested what it called a “full and complete review” of the race, a $5,000 maiden claiming contest run over 7 1/2 furlongs.
King Witt, ridden by jockey Sheldon Chickeness, led by as much as four lengths, according to the Equibase chart. The chart footnotes state that “King Witt dueled inside early, opened up out of the first turn, increased margin, took a good lead into the stretch, drifted out and appeared to be stopping in early stretch, was passed by three horses to his inside, started to run again when the winner went by him on the inside just after passing the eighth pole, gave his best from mid-stretch to the wire lapped on the winner, couldn't get to that one.”
Mucho Express, trailing the field midway through the race, rallied under jockey Antonio Whitehall to beat King Witt by a neck. The winner was the third choice in the wagering at 5.65-1, with King Witt second choice at 3.75-1. Belbedevil, the 7-10 favorite was never a factor, finishing seventh of eight runners. A $1 exacta paid $28.80 and the 20-cent trifecta to 8.75-1 shot Notable Nora paid $44.12.
Assiniboia asks provincial regulators to conduct a “full and complete review” of race 5 July 20, when King Witt finished second under jockey Sheldon Chickeness after having big lead at top of stretch. pic.twitter.com/GYSgeEDWua
— Ray Paulick (@raypaulick) July 21, 2022
“When I watched the race in real time, my first reaction was that the jockey was pulling the horse up due to a potential injury,” Darren Dunn, CEO of the Manitoba Jockey Club, said when requesting regulators review the race. “When the jockey re-engaged the horse after the balance of the field caught up and then began to aggressively ride the horse to the finish line, the sudden change was very concerning.
“Though in our opinion there would not have been any adjustment to the ultimate order of finish in the race, due to a lack of any interference with any other horses, that there was no inquiry posted by the Stewards created great concern with the public from a perception standpoint. As such, we felt we needed to act and make this formal request,” Dunn continued.
“To be clear, we have full confidence in our regulator and Stewards and value the significant experience they bring to our industry. We trust that they may already be reviewing this situation on their own. However, in light of what we saw last night as an operator and the significant feedback we have received, we felt an obligation on behalf of our customers and ASD Live brand to crystalize our position of concern on this very important matter. While we can't instruct or direct our regulator on how to act on this matter, our request is for a formal review and the issuance of a statement on their findings that we can share with the public.”
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