Danzulu exit makes case for new rule
Stewards can only govern by the rules but the rules that forced the late scratching of Danzulu on Sunday clearly need a rethink.
When strong 10-pound claimer Derek Leung Ka-chun took ill with flu, the rules said trainer David Hall must replace him with another 10-pound claimer.
And the only one available was Ben So Tik-hung, a promising lad for sure but he's yet to ride a winner in Hong Kong, though he has landed a dozen on various tracks in West Australia.
Most punters who backed Danzulu would be thankful that Hall baulked at putting the inexperienced rider on such a well-fancied horse, especially one with Danzulu's get-back pattern of racing.
And they can also be thankful the stipes acceded to that request.
Policies of this kind were put in place to stop the old-fashioned rorts ruse. In days long gone by, when punters off track were much less informed than their on-course brethren, plenty of value could be added with a late riding change to a significantly better jockey.
The rules are well intentioned, aimed at protecting the people who make racing pay - the punters.
It's just a shame that in such a legitimate situation as with Danzulu and Leung on Sunday that a little more flexibility with the rules couldn't have been available for the greater benefit of all concerned.
