Windsor Raceway was a hotbed for disqualifications last Sunday evening when a pair of drivers in back-to-back races had their numbers taken down by the ORC Judges for violating the urging rule, and the inquiry sign was lit yet again earlier tonight for the same reason
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Chris Beaver and Donald Harmon felt the wrath of the ORC after violating the urging rule last week, and as a result the horses that they drove to second-place finishes were set back to last as per the rules of the Ontario Racing Commission.
The same penalty was assessed to driver Gene Piroski in Sunday’s fifth race at the border oval. Piroski guided Will B to a two-length score in 1:55, but the pacer’s number was placed to last after the ORC Judges determined Piroski violated the urging rule.
To view the urging rules and the corresponding penalty guidelines, click here.
To view Sunday’s results, click here.
As a harness fan and bettor
As a harness fan and bettor I can't believe the rules that have been implemented in Ontario. Watching the drivers wiggle and move in the bike because they can't drop a line is like going to the circus. Having said that I will never bet another dollar on an Ontario track because of the ridiculous placing of Gene Piroski's horse which I had money on. If the powers that be think these rules will help harness racing they are sadly mistaken
What is the criteria used by
What is the criteria used by the judges at Windsor Raceway? Very interesting decision as the driver had lines in both hands and was not whipping the horse. Only thing he did in the lane was push him along with the whip.
Maybe they think too much rocking and goosing is injurious to the horse?? It is suggested they set forth the expected reserved behavior to protect the drivers, trainers and owners from prosecution for breaking a "rule" that is not really a "rule" but an approximation of some undefined, and therefore unreasonable prosecution and restriction on drivers' behavior.
I read the published directive and there was nothing done by the driver in violation of the published rule.
For any judge or board of judges to extend the rule without sanction of the commission is in itself a travesty. Very serious negative consquences for our great business.
Piroski should appeal this
Piroski should appeal this to the highest court. What are these judges trying to do...kill the sport? The previous 2 at Windsor were also weak. Oh yes, the fans will now flock to the track to watch (not bet)on these horses that are not being abused! Then we can all race for ribbons.
This surprises me. It is
This surprises me. It is not like this rule just went into effect. I am curious to hear what the drivers were thinking when they did this.
Another travesty to provide
Another travesty to provide a further black eye for Harness Racing. You could find 20 other drivers that night who "urged their horses" on more than Mr. Piroski did in that race. Just look at the horse immediately behind hin as the field comes down the stretch for an example. It begs the question. What were the ORC Judges motives in this latest fiasco!!