The Bangalore Turf Club might consider dispensing with the services of the Stipendiary Stewards, as the elected Stewards want to assert their ``superior`` knowledge. This assertion became evident in Friday`s inquiry against an objection after the last race on Friday. In this instance, the winner was demoted from the first position, and a horse that had been legitimately defeated was placed at the forefront.

Although there was interference in the final 100 meters, it did not significantly impact the race`s outcome. Such practices have been the norm in Bangalore for years, except for instances when Stewards made controversial decisions even leading to police investigations like in 1985.

The two professional Stipendiary Stewards, Raman and Ravi Shankar, opposed the objection, believing it should be overruled. Raman, an esteemed racing official with nearly 50 years of experience, and Ravishankar, with over 20 years in the field, held this perspective. Interestingly, the first-time Steward referred to the rule book during the inquiry, possibly assuming that other Stewards were unfamiliar with its contents. While he may be correct in thinking that elected Stewards lack certain knowledge, presuming that the most senior officials were unaware demonstrated his ignorance. These officials are well-versed in the rules, knowing them like the back of their hand.

The Stipendiary Stewards emphasized to the Stewards that the rule governing objections stipulates that interference should only result in a reversal of placings if it has a material impact. Unfortunately, it appeared that the majority of the Stewards had already formed their opinions, as they did not take the officials` perspectives into account. The Chairman, too, did not conduct the meeting in the expected manner. In situations where a significant decision, such as reversing the winner and loser, is being made, there should be a thorough discussion, and the rationale for the action should be clearly communicated.

When experienced professionals present a dissenting view, elected honorary Stewards should refrain from undermining their officials without careful consideration. The Chairman, in particular, should take the lead in ensuring a fair and reasoned decision-making process.

Crosswater took the lead right from the beginning of the 1200 meters Muthyalamaduvu Plate (Div I), a race for horses rated 20 to 45. Art Gallery positioned itself in the third spot, while Prophecy settled in fourth place along the rails. As they approached the final turn, Prophecy made a move on the outside of the frontrunner, Crosswater. Srinath on Art Gallery navigated the bend a bit wide. Despite Prophecy`s effective acceleration, Art Gallery, whipped from the left by the jockey, shifted notably. Just as Prophecy seemed to be taking control of the race, the horse might have felt intimidated by Art Gallery`s approach and shied away. Trevor Patel, on Prophecy, skillfully regained control of the horse. Srinath altered the course to the inside, and Prophecy went on to win with a substantial three-length margin.

Srinath filed an objection against Trevor, claiming that Trevor had bumped him and encroached on his space, causing him to lose a certain victory. Art Gallery had initiated the run on the outer side but veered inward under pressure. While there was interference as Prophecy shied away because the other horse came menacingly came close to leaning on to the horse, Trevor adeptly managed the situation, and the favoured horse comfortably secured the win without being pushed to its limits.

The decision by the Stewards to uphold the objection came as a surprise to someone who has been following racing in Bangalore for three decades. Recalling past instances where objections involving severe interferences were overruled on the basis that they did not materially impact the outcome seems futile. When Stewards believe they have a better understanding, any argument is deemed a waste of time and effort.

Three of the Stewards overseeing the current inquiry had previously ruled against disqualifying a horse for dangerous riding. It`s necessary to bring to their attention their prior decision regarding Sea Eagle, raising the question of whether their ruling stemmed from ignorance or prejudice. In the Treasure Girl Plate held during the summer season, Sea Eagle dangerously veered in front of High Tribute, resulting in the violent fall of jockey Hasib Alam. The Stewards in question—Shivakumar Khenny, Aravind Raghavan, and Naval Narielwala—had been part of the previous board and opted not to alter the result, asserting that the interference, though deemed dangerous, did not have a material impact. This incident, occurring approximately 30 meters from the winning post, sparked significant public discussion.

Frequently, ignorance may bring a sense of bliss, but in the context of the high-stakes world of racing, it can prove costly and come with its own set of consequences.