Gold Cup & Saucer Win Controversy

all-the-weapons-gcs.jpg
Published: August 25, 2009 07:49 am EDT

The owners of 2009 Gold Cup & Saucer champ All The Weapons could be penalized a large portion of their winnings for violating an Ontario Racing Commission rule by racing a claimed horse out of the province within 60 days

.

Dr. Paul Hogan, director of racing for the Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission, told The Guardian that owners Kerry and Shirley House of St. Jacobs, Ont. were advised before the Gold Cup & Saucer that they may face reprimand from the ORC.

“I guess we might be in a little trouble,” said co-owner Shirley House, “We haven’t heard from the commission yet, but understand we could be fined or suspended.

“I hope they’re not too hard on us,” House continued. “One thing is certain, they can’t take away the Gold Cup and Saucer trophy, or the beautiful cooler, or the fact that All The Weapons and Kenny Oliver won the 50th running of the Gold Cup and Saucer."

After last year's Gold Cup & Saucer, the owners of second place elimination finisher Match Bayama faced a similar penalty from the ORC. The rule, 15:09a, appears below.

15.09. A claimed horse, regard less of ownership:
(a) shall race only at a track or tracks in the Province of Ontario for the next 60 days, except where such a horse had been nominated to participate in an added money event before it was claimed, or unless the track where the horse was claimed is closing for more than 30 days. If the track where the horse was claimed closes for more than 30 days, the horse is released from the requirements of 15.09 (a).

Tags

Comments

It would be a problem if someone from outside Ontario had claimed the horse and took it from ontario to race perminantely. But a ontario resident and member of the ontario owners assoc. should be able to race a horse they own in a race of their choice. WE AS MEMBERS OF STANDARDBRED CANADA SHOULD BE ASHAIMED OF OUR STANDARDBRED CANADA USING THE FINE SYSTEM AS A MONEY GRAB.

I would sooner look at 36,000.00 worth of checks after claiming a 20,000.00 horse. I agree they should have not been allowed to race after the same thing last year. Hopefully the ORC will fine them as stated.

The 60 day rule applies to all horses claimed in Ontario. This helps to asure that horsemen from out of Province or State can't come in any time they want and remove horses via claiming races to race a few days later in another Province or State.

The owner's knew what they were doing when they entered the horse. They therefore must suffer the consequences of intentionally breaking the ORC rule.

Why the CDP would accept an entry knowing full well that the horse was not allowed to race until sixty days after he was claimed, is an absolute mystery.

Finally, while we are talking about the 2009 Cup and Saucer, can someone tell me what the MHRC judges did to the driver of Secret Weapon for severely affecting the outcome of the race, driving in a reckless manner, and committing numerous interference violations in the race?

What about the violation of the whipping rule!!! It was a disgusting display and complete disregard for the horse. How sad that winning the race takes priority over fair play and the well being of the animal. shame on all the connections!

The organizers should take a lot of heat knowing full well they are allowing a horse that does not qualify into the race at all.
I agree that they should be DQ'd but how do you DQ them when the organizers could have stopped this before it happened.
Yes the owners and trainer as well.
Where does this stuff end.
Either correct the ruling or uphold it with full force.
You know what happens when you sit on the fence long enough.
You fall.

It should not be congrat's it should be shame on you !!!! The title should be taken away and given to the second place winner. Why should they receive this honor entering into this race in deception. They should me made an example of by taking the title, trophy and money away so this sort of deception will stop. Only horses that qualify should be in the race. If need be the organizers need to not allow any horses in the race that do not qualify to race. It has to stop some where and the time is now.

You are right Shirley, they can never take the win away from you guys, congrats!

Why the heck were they even allowed to race if everyone knew they were in violation of the rules?

I think this ruling is one of the few that need to be removed. I can see having to race in the same claiming condition but not having to stay in Ontario. Like the House's said they can't take away the win or the Cup (we hope) Good luck.

Have something to say about this? Log in or create an account to post a comment.