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| Seeking Attention unlucky at Rosehill |
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Luck deserted the Anthony Cummings stable when the photo finish camera system failed at Rosehill, costing the improved mare Seeking Attention a fourth straight win.
Seeking Attention did all the work outside the leader before being challenged by the well-backed Acquired from the Gary Portelli stable but television footage appeared to show a margin in Seeking Attention’s favour.
However, the two photo finish cameras at Rosehill were out of action and the verdict was left to the naked eye of the five judges who voted four to one in Acquired’s favour.
Cummings and jockey Tim Clark were shocked by the decision and were further dismayed to learn Racing NSW chief steward Ray Murrihy had no power to overturn the placings.
"There is no photo print of the finish, the judges are split, and the angle of the television camera is not accurate,'' Cummings told the Daily Telegraph."I would think the only fair result is to call it a dead heat.''
Murrihy said the rules of racing did not allow the placings to be changed because there was no way the stewards could be satisfied the judges had erred.
“We can’t be satisfied the judges have made a mistake,'' Murrihy said.”Similarly, if the judges had called the inside horse, Seeking Attention, the winner then the stewards would have had to confirm that result.''
Cummings was disappointed with the stewards’ verdict and remains adamant Seeking Attention won the Clubs NSW Handicap (1100m).
"It's not ideal but what can you do?'' Cummings said. "It's very disappointing for the owners of our horse."
"When they crossed the line I thought Seeking Attention had just won, and after seeing the film the stewards had to look at I've got no reason to change my mind.''
Sunday, 16 August 2009 |
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