By now, it has become common knowledge that trainer-driver Åke Svanstedt pulled all four shoes on Hambletonian winner Captain Corey just before the race and commented afterward that he felt that racing the horse barefoot played a significant role in the win.
What did not happen as successfully was the passing of that information along to The Meadowlands' wagering customers in time for them to include it in their handicapping.
The knowledge that a horse will be racing barefoot would be information just as important to a horseplayer as a shoeing change, bridle change or hopple lengthening.
As a result, when live racing returns on Sept. 3, The Meadowlands will require trainers to report their intent to remove a horse's shoes to the judges or paddock judge no later than 90 minutes before post time for the first race for each racing card. This will allow time for the change to be reported to the public by the TV talent in advance of any horizontal wagers, and to be discussed by them as they provide their analysis.
The horse must race as reported, with the possible exception of a significant change in track condition due to weather. In that case, the trainer must report to the paddock judge that the shoes will remain on the horse.
It shall be the responsibility of the trainer to report any such changes. The failure to do so or to race the horse as reported without the permission of the judges may result in penalty.
(Meadowlands)