The twelfth race at Monticello Raceway on Thursday was declared a “no contest” when Docdor Chaser got stuck to the mobile starting gate
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According to Scott Hamilton, the starting judge, Docdor Chaser’s top teeth got stuck in a bar of the mobile starting gate and the pacer couldn’t get free as the wings began to fold which caused Hamilton to reopen the wings and slow down so the horse could become unattached. But in doing so the start of the race was interfered with.
“Not only have I never seen this before, I never even heard of it happening,” Hamilton said. “I know the horse (Docdor Chaser) from Saratoga and he always has his head on the gate but somehow this time his top teeth got over one of the rungs in the wing and he couldn’t get free.
“We were doing 40 miles an hour getting out of there and I couldn’t believe a horse was keeping up with us until I looked down and saw what actually was taking place. I quickly re-opened the wings and backed off (on the speed) so the pacer could get free. I’m sorry it was a no contest but everyone’s safety is paramount.”
When Mike Merton was reached for a comment in the paddock he said,” I didn’t know what the heck was going on. We were traveling mighty fast and we couldn’t shake the gate but thanks to the experience and great judgment of the starter it all came out alright.”
The race was completed but the judges immediately declared it a “no contest” and all wagers were refunded.
(Monticello Raceway)