Fernlea25

I agree 100% that a $350 fine is ridiculous. Many times I have been surprised at conservative driving tactics adopted by Ricky May on well-supported runners. I'm not suggesting anything untoward on the part of Ricky, I just find it odd that Stewards allow horses who are expected to win (or are at least expected to be competitive) to be driven in such a negative manner - e.g handing up the lead resulting in being locked away on the pegs, or not making an effort to improve the horses position until too late in a race, or staying in the one-wide line when horses are improving three wide. I see Michael Formosa was recently suspended for 6 months in New South Wales for a drive at Newcastle, for failing to allow his horse the best opportunity to win or obtain the best possible placing. A pretty harsh penalty in comparison to a $350 fine, for what is ultimately the same offence. There is no protection for punters in New Zealand harness racing. If you are "unlucky" on a favourite in Australia you had better be ready to explain yourself - in New Zealand you were just unlucky. Reading the Stewards report section of the Australian Harness Racing website is very interesting as there are regularly inquiries made by Stewards into driving tactics adopted, and this also often extends to analysing betting records.