When Andy Speaks NYRA Listens....

[docicu3]

The last episode of Playing to Win focused BTW's rant toward the subject of the gatekeepers and the keymasters of Saratoga.

Obviously NYRA was moved to heed BTW's words of wisdom and plea to "roll a head" elevate half a head to a full one and to offer a long term solution as probably the "school for starters" could be fairly characterized as, headed (no pun) by long term NYRA official Bob Duncan who's course.....

... "How to open the gates to the race after all the horses are no longer attached to the starters"

Will be held over the next 2 months to teach the subtlety of equine order at Saratoga and Belmont in hopes of retaining the wagered dollar in the sport rather than the kiss your sister "refund" for nonstarters.

http://www.drf.com/news/article/87765.html

[AeWingnut]

NYRA replaces starter

After numerous incidents in the starting gate at Saratoga, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced Monday the promotion of Roy Williamson to the position of starter, replacing Richard Brosseau, who will retire after 31 years with the NYRA starting gate crew. Brosseau was NYRA's starter for the last four years.

Williamson joined NYRA in 1985 as an assistant starter.

In addition, Bob Duncan, NYRA's starter from 1970 to 2004, has agreed to expand his consultant role for NYRA. Duncan, a consultant in starting gate operations to tracks around the world, conducts gate schooling at Saratoga's Oklahoma Training Track from April through October. Starting immediately and extending through the Belmont Fall Championship Meet (September 7 through October 31), Duncan will be responsible for a comprehensive review of all starting gate protocols and procedures.

"We are very pleased to be promoting Roy to his new position," NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward said. "I am confident that he will work well with Bob Duncan, as we review and update all starting gate procedures. The starting gate is the most important aspect of the race and it requires communication, collaboration and precision. We value Richie Brosseau's contribution to New York racing over the years, and wish him well in retirement."

[SniperSB23]

Originally Posted by Cardus

I thought that the problem with the gate crew was that there were new members to the team.

If that's true, then how is replacing the starter with 30 years experience going to solve the problem in the short run?

That's what I was wondering.

[kenny p]

Roy Williamson lives in my neighborhood. He is a real hard worker. I wish him the best in his new position. KP

[docicu3]

There has to be more to this than we know which is why I put the thread up in the first place.....How did this happen so many times at Toga?? Does this not come down to "TIMING" which seems to be lacking here.

You don't want to start the race too early and have the jocks not be seated but you also don't want to wait too long and have a skittish type flip out because they have been in the gate too long.

Is this not what the problem has been or is there more going on here...

[gamblin4ever]

reading the whole article, it sounds like there was communication problems w/ the crew.