Ellis Park runs the opener at the wrong distance

I guess the coffee didn't yet kick in for those guys.

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Ellis runs a race at wrong distance

By CLIFF GUILLIAMS
Courier & Press racing writer 464-7416 or ethridge@evansville.net
Thursday, August 17, 2006

The normally foolproof system of checks and balances failed at Ellis Park on Wednesday, when the first race was run at the incorrect distance.

Instead of having the gate set for a 5-furlong race on the main track, the race started at the 5½-furlong pole.

First to miss it was the person responsible for backing the starting gate into place. Next was starter Scott Jordan. Three stewards and three placing judges followed.

Times recorded electronically failed to register on the Jumbotron because American Teletimer operator Jerry Mahoney had the system properly tuned for 5 furlongs.

Chief steward Mickey Sample, representing the Kentucky Racing Authority, was informed after the race had been made official and prices posted.

"It was purely human error," said Ellis Park vice president/general manager Brian Elmore. "Every responsible party allowed it to slip past them. They've been notified. I don't think it will happen again."

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