JC / Railbird

You’re Not Welcome in Racing

That’s what the stewards should say to all involved on August 7, when a hearing is held regarding this incident:

A Sacramento horse owner and the silks custodian at Cal Expo are in trouble with the California Horse Racing Board for allowing a horse to improperly race in the colors of the Confederate battle flag during the state fair meet July 15.

The horse, Mute Rudulph, won the fourth race that day in his racing debut for owners Bill Wilbur, Chris Carpenter, and Bill McLean, who also trains the horse. The 2-year-old bay colt is named after Ken Rudulph, a host for the horse racing network TVG. Rudulph, who is African-American, is coincidentally from Sacramento.

The CHRB alleges that track colors man Tony Baze “received financial consideration and conspired to aid and abet” with Wilbur to substitute the “Southern Cross” for the horse’s designated colors.

Via @o_crunk and @superterrific.

8/7/10 Update: The CHRB hearing scheduled for today has been postponed until August 26, due to Baze appearing without legal representation.


3 Comments

You are quite right here. This incident is no small matter. It was not “in fun.” Many long time observers, myself included, are watching and waiting to see how the CHRB will deal with those involved. Even if we set aside the poor taste, the arrogance, and the hubris involved here, ignorance is not and never should be an excuse for hatred. The opportunity exists to send a message. We’re waiting.

Posted by B. Greene on July 30, 2010 @ 2:02 pm

Did we read the same article? This has nothing to do with hubris or hatred, it has to do with a rule that a horse is to run in the colors dictated on the entry card and possible deception of the wagering public. That’s the only thing the stewards should address. In effect the stewards should fine and or suspend everyone including the rider, the valet, the Jockey’s room custodian and the paddock judge for not ordering the rider back to the room to change in to the appropriate silks. If the colors custodian was paid, he should get suspended and loose his job. If hatred enters in to this ruling then the stewards are not looking at the question from the standpoint of the rules.

Posted by T.N. Trosin on July 31, 2010 @ 11:24 am

No we read the same article. Sure, you can deal only with the specific infractions of the law. That is what most say should be done, and hopefully will be done. What I’m saying is that these individuals are not fooling anyone.

This is hardly an incident about not wearing the right silks. Look at the motivation here. Yes, I know the CHRB can’t and wouldn’t do anything about that. But you and I can. We can address the issue head on, tell the truth, and insist that some semblance of integrity and ethics be part of the final outcome.

Interesting how the announcer (hint…a semblance of ethical behavior,) chose to call the horse Randolf instead of Rudolf. He knew.

Posted by B. Greene on July 31, 2010 @ 12:32 pm