The sport’s rules sideline safety in favour of spectacle – it’s time for a penalty system that goes right to the top
That old racing piety, “Let’s hope they all come back safely”, is generally saved for the moments before a Grand National or a novice chase at Cheltenham, but Flat racing has its dangers too, as anyone who saw Well Of Wisdom’s race on Saturday will know. Under a strong left-hand drive from William Buick, the colt lurched to his right and squeezed Surf Dancer against the rail with such force that the other horse had to scrabble to stay upright.
Well Of Wisdom won and was allowed to keep the Sandown race. Surf Dancer came fourth, which is at least one place further back than he would have finished with a clear run. Buick received no punishment because the interference was ruled accidental, the jockey having had insufficient time to react.
"From a stewards' point of view, William has done everything right, but he has obviously caused a massive amount of interference"@GeorgeENB1982 gives his take on Well Of Wisdom's victory at @Sandownpark for @godolphin
Stewards' enquiry ongoing pic.twitter.com/C4l7OVmHLC
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