A Judges Inquiry took place in Race 6 at Georgian Downs on April 24, 2010
, concerning a break in stride by #2 Rubendall Hanover, driven by Torgeir Hagmann, at the three quarters. Rubendall Hanover unofficially finished third. (click here for the chart)
When reviewing the Inquiry film, the Judges referred to ORC Rule 22:27.
ORC Rule 22:27 reads, “When a horse breaks from its gait in a race the driver shall: (a) take the horse to the inside or outside of other horses where clearance exists; (b) properly attempt to pull the horse to its gait; and (c) continuously lose ground while on the break. If there has been no violation of (a), (b) or (c) above, the horse shall not be set back unless a contending horse on its gait is lapped on the hind quarter of the breaking horse at the finish, however, notwithstanding the foregoing, if interference caused by another driver(s) or horse(s) has caused the horse to be on a break at the finish, the Judges may, in their discretion, determine not to set the horse back even if a contending horse on its gait is lapped on the hind quarter of the breaking horse at the finish.”
When Rubendall Hanover made his break, Hagmann took him to the inside safety lane when clearance existed and did not commit any act of interference to the other horses. There was no violation of ORC Rule 22:27(a). Hagmann did attempt to pull Rubendall Hanover up and get him back on stride, thus satisfying ORC Rule 22:27(b). The Judges deemed that Rubendall Hanover did continuously lose ground while on a break, completing ORC Rule 22:27(c). Rubendall Hanover came back onto the racing strip when he was back on stride and had clearance to do so.
From reviewing the Inquiry tape, the Judges determined that Rubendall Hanover did not violate any part of ORC Rule 22:27 and did not gain any unfair advantage. Therefore, Rubendall Hanover was made the official third-place finisher.
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