Scots Wae Hae (Gavin Lerena) canters to the start on Sunday. The 89-rated 3YO blew it at the start leaving 79-rated 4YO Eric’s Legacy to win by a length from 97-rated 3YO Fire Chief (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
In a goodwill gesture, SA’s leading sportsbook operator Hollywoodbets has given backers of the fancied Scots Wae Hae, who was declared a runner after losing substantial ground at the start of the Hollywoodbets Scottsville sixth race on Sunday, some sporting relief by refunding all fixed odds and open bets on the 3yo.
The Hollywood Racing-owned Scots Wae Hae, who shed his maiden over 1000m at his previous start, was well supported to start a 3-1 tote favourite in the Class 4 1200m contest, despite trainer Mike de Kock’s reservations pre-race that his charge was stepping into a handicap off an 89 rating.
“Proceed with some caution as week in and week out we see three-year-olds beaten by the handicapper,” said the veteran in advance of the son of Malmoos’ post-maiden effort.
As it happened, backers of the progressive 3yo saw their hopes go up in smoke when the gates were sprung, as a restless Scots Wae Hae prematurely broke open his gate, which then bounced back on him as he appeared to sit back in his stall, thus losing lengths.
Jockey Gavin Lerena did not bustle the youngster thereafter, and he unsurprisingly finished some way downfield.
After a race review was called, the Stipes were satisfied that Scots Wae Hae had not been impeded in any manner and that the subsequent loss of ground was due to the horse’s behaviour alone. He has not shown behavioural issues previously.
It is understood that both Gavin Lerena and the starter were interviewed by the Stipes but nothing to that effect is included in the Stipes report.
The Stipes took no further action and declared Scots Wae Hae a runner.
Ironically, in the same race, the Woodruff runner Azzurri, in the gate alongside Scots Wae Hae reacted to his neighbour, and this resulted in the handler allocated to Azzurri being slow in releasing this gelding as the start was effected.
Azzurri jumped awkwardly with his head turned sideways and lost ground to the field.
The Board acting in terms of Rule 61.5.10.3 declared Azzurri to be a non-runner.
The two sides of the rule were shown clearly here! If the horse is deemed to be the perpetrator, he remains a runner, while human intervention or interference, by way of, for example, the handler, could see him declared a non-runner.
While the rule, which has proven contentious in the past, may be worthy of a review, Hollywoodbets spokesman Devin Heffer advised the Sporting Post that the company holds the view that Scots Wae Hae’s supporters never had a fair shout or run for their money. Accordingly, the company had made the decision to refund bets.
“We are dealing with flesh and blood, and it is an unfortunate set of circumstances that arose here. While we respect the fact that the Stipes are applying the letter of the rule, we want every punter to have a fair run for their money,” added Heffer.
Refunds have already been implemented for all online bets.
Those who took bets on Scots Wae Hae at Hollywoodbets retail outlets should present their tickets or alternatively approach the Branch Manager for assistance with a ‘lost ticket’ application.
