Dave Smith terminated by BHA over dead heat controversy – Horseracing News
Dave Smith has been sacked by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) following his controversial decision in the Betdaq Maiden Stakes at Kempton in England last Wednesday.
The race turned out to be quite an exciting one and no one could tell whether who would finish on top of the table in the end. The competition was between Fire Fighting and Extra Noble. The latter of the two was given the best
odds for victory, but he had to fight hard to claim victory.
In the end, both stallions finished close to each other and Smith, who was the judge, had to see photos and replays of the ending moments in order to give a decision. He did not take much time and announced the race as a dead heat
between Fire Fighting and Extra Noble.
Although the BHA did not take any action straightaway after the result was given, an investigation was held over the entire situation, which revealed that the favourite horse was a clear winner by a nose distance.
Had Smith taken his time to come up with the final decision, he would have clearly seen the actual result. However, he did not take his job seriously at that point, which caused a lot of confusion amongst the owners and the spectators.
Therefore, the BHA released the following statement, “Following an internal investigation regarding the announcement of the incorrect result in the £200 Free Bets At Betdaq Maiden Stakes at Kempton on Wednesday June 26, 2013, the
BHA has established that standard operating procedures were not followed, and has today informed Dave Smith that it has terminated its contract of services with him.”
The notice further read, “Dave Smith will no longer act as a judge at British racecourses, but the BHA acknowledges his contribution and service over the last 13 years.”
This news would have been shocking for the veteran judge, who had been performing his duty with thorough commitment over the years. His mistake does not seem to be a big one, but it ended up affecting a lot of people, who had risked
their money on different horses. However, they will now be pleased with the action taken by the sport’s governing body.
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