[I wrote this piece this summer after a series of questionable inquiries. It’s quite relevant, especially with the uproar over the Bayern decision. – SA]
Stewards inquiry and an objection from trainer of the 2nd place finisher # 2 Make a Decision (C. Velasquez) for alleged interference within the vicinity of the 1/8 pole. #2 Make a Decision racing in between #3 V. E. Day (J. Lezcano) and #4 Majestic Jess (I. Ortiz Jr.) takes a hold as #4 Majestic Jess comes out under a left handed crop.
After reviewing the race video and hearing statements from the riders of #2 and #3 and in the judgment of the stewards no change was warranted.
It’s something, but it doesn’t really tell us anything. There’s no analysis or application — no rationale given as to what in the race video and jockey’s statement led to the conclusion. We don’t have any idea what the stewards saw (or heard) that led them to make no change to the order of finish.
In contrast, I would prefer to see stewards adopt a simple format that stresses why the decision was made. It would start with a statement of facts and the relevant rule for interference, but would also require that the stewards explicitly and clearly indicate their reasons.
It could look like this:
What are the facts of alleged interference?
What is the rule for interference?
Why/why not does this action constitute interference?
It’s a simple and relatively costless reform, especially when added to the limited information already released. By requiring stewards to explicitly state their reasoning, it would eliminate the mystery of the inquiry-review, and it would inform the public exactly why a horse was taken down (or left up.) It is important that conclusory language is avoided in the reasoning, and instead, that the written decision provides insight into the stewards’ thinking.
Ending the Mystery of the Inquiry
Seth Abrams[I wrote this piece this summer after a series of questionable inquiries. It’s quite relevant, especially with the uproar over the Bayern decision. – SA]
As an industry, there’s been some small progress in communicating the mystery of the “Stewards’ Inquiry” to fans. For example, NYRA publishes their stewards’ decisions online. But there’s still a great deal more that can be done. As an example, let’s look at today’s 6th race at Belmont:
It’s something, but it doesn’t really tell us anything. There’s no analysis or application — no rationale given as to what in the race video and jockey’s statement led to the conclusion. We don’t have any idea what the stewards saw (or heard) that led them to make no change to the order of finish.
In contrast, I would prefer to see stewards adopt a simple format that stresses why the decision was made. It would start with a statement of facts and the relevant rule for interference, but would also require that the stewards explicitly and clearly indicate their reasons.
It could look like this:
It’s a simple and relatively costless reform, especially when added to the limited information already released. By requiring stewards to explicitly state their reasoning, it would eliminate the mystery of the inquiry-review, and it would inform the public exactly why a horse was taken down (or left up.) It is important that conclusory language is avoided in the reasoning, and instead, that the written decision provides insight into the stewards’ thinking.