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Danzulu exit makes case for new rule

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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.

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