Quote from Lonnie on August 18, 2026, 7:26 PM

Quote from Bgtolex25 on August 18, 2026, 6:24 PM

Quote from MaywoodAl on August 18, 2026, 6:16 PM

I was waiting for an inquiry in JJ's race. I assume judges did a quick review and saw nada. JJ showed she is capable of more than one move.

... I did see one venue (Harrah’s PA?) that provides an email link to the Presiding Judge encouraging the public to ask questions as you posed.  I thought that was a good outreach move.

Really?  WOW!

Quote from Bgtolex25 on August 19, 2026, 8:16 AM

https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-philly/racing/racing-info

For Harrah’s PA scroll down toward bottom for the clearly written invitation to ask your question directly to the presiding judge.

As I mentioned prior, I wasn’t upstairs in the judges box for Jailbird Jog’s race, nor have I rewatched it.  But I can tell you the consistent process of reviewing each race in my time there this meet.

• 3 judges (Presiding and two associates)
• They all watch each race out the window, on 4 different camera angles, or a combination.
• verbally calling out incidents as they see them and making quick notations, which they use for reference in discussion and further video review post race
• Presiding Judge has a dedicated computer for ability to watch each race replay, calling up in race location (ie. 1/4 pole, etc.).  Can run slow motion, rewind, fast forward with simple clicks.  This review displays on one of their big screens, so all 3 can watch together and discuss.  Very easy and quick process.
• Any driver objection is relayed to starting judge, as the field turns to head back to paddock.
• If judges are reviewing as an inquiry or objection, a call can be placed down to paddock judge.  The paddock judge will put the driver(s) on the phone, and the call is placed on speaker in the judges booth.
• The team at The Red Mile will discuss and debate until they reach a decision.  I haven’t seen them disagree on a decision yet, but I have witnessed one prolonged review and extended driver interview.  Their stated philosophy is not to reach a verdict until all 3 are in agreement.
• Charter and Photo Finish operator are next door.  The photo finish operator quickly can place each horse across the line with clear video and precise photo evidence, and both associate judges are watching this occur on a monitor.  The judges determine the final order of finish.
• if there were no “irregularities” noted, each race is still reviewed by all 3 judges from the 1/2 thru the finish prior to going official.
• Any placements due to interference, pylon infractions, etc. are played over the public’s video feed and the Presiding Judge will come on the public speaker to explain the ruling.

It is all a smooth process and happens relatively quickly.  The judges also have a process of locking the pari- mutual window at the start.  They don’t listen to the race call live or delayed.  They review and sign off on the charting of the race a few minutes later.  The “yellow” status results posted on USTA site is done by the charter.  The Presiding Judge is the only one to mark it “green” and official.  But even this result is pending based on the blood and urine test of the winner and often one other participant at the discretion of Presiding Judge.  The non-winner test is typically the 2nd place horse, but it isn’t required to be.

There are a few other things occurring too, but this summary is a good representation of what occurs for each race.

Quote from Lonnie on August 19, 2026, 1:21 PM

Quote from Bgtolex25 on August 19, 2026, 8:16 AM

https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-philly/racing/racing-info

For Harrah’s PA scroll down toward bottom for the clearly written invitation to ask your question directly to the presiding judge.

As I mentioned prior, I wasn’t upstairs in the judges box for Jailbird Jog’s race, nor have I rewatched it.  But I can tell you the consistent process of reviewing each race in my time there this meet.

• 3 judges (Presiding and two associates)
• They all watch each race out the window, on 4 different camera angles, or a combination.
• verbally calling out incidents as they see them and making quick notations, which they use for reference in discussion and further video review post race
• Presiding Judge has a dedicated computer for ability to watch each race replay, calling up in race location (ie. 1/4 pole, etc.).  Can run slow motion, rewind, fast forward with simple clicks.  This review displays on one of their big screens, so all 3 can watch together and discuss.  Very easy and quick process.
• Any driver objection is relayed to starting judge, as the field turns to head back to paddock.
• If judges are reviewing as an inquiry or objection, a call can be placed down to paddock judge.  The paddock judge will put the driver(s) on the phone, and the call is placed on speaker in the judges booth.
• The team at The Red Mile will discuss and debate until they reach a decision.  I haven’t seen them disagree on a decision yet, but I have witnessed one prolonged review and extended driver interview.  Their stated philosophy is not to reach a verdict until all 3 are in agreement.
• Charter and Photo Finish operator are next door.  The photo finish operator quickly can place each horse across the line with clear video and precise photo evidence, and both associate judges are watching this occur on a monitor.  The judges determine the final order of finish.
• if there were no “irregularities” noted, each race is still reviewed by all 3 judges from the 1/2 thru the finish prior to going official.
• Any placements due to interference, pylon infractions, etc. are played over the public’s video feed and the Presiding Judge will come on the public speaker to explain the ruling.

It is all a smooth process and happens relatively quickly.  The judges also have a process of locking the pari- mutual window at the start.  They don’t listen to the race call live or delayed.  They review and sign off on the charting of the race a few minutes later.  The “yellow” status results posted on USTA site is done by the charter.  The Presiding Judge is the only one to mark it “green” and official.  But even this result is pending based on the blood and urine test of the winner and often one other participant at the discretion of Presiding Judge.  The non-winner test is typically the 2nd place horse, but it isn’t required to be.

There are a few other things occurring too, but this summary is a good representation of what occurs for each race.

Thank you so much for explaining the procedure.  Much appreciated.

When was the last time a driver filed an objection?

Quote from Bgtolex25 on August 19, 2026, 4:14 PM

You are welcome and it shouldn’t shock you that I have yet to witness an Objection.  I asked them that same question and was told it is extremely rare for the Grand Circuit type drivers that are here for the KY Sire Stakes races.  Rare but a little more common for the regional, less experienced drivers.  With all the camera angles and 3 judges, they see things pretty well.   The starting judge is also a set of eyes and can add input.  I think the drivers are inclined to let the judges make the call instead of calling out a fellow driver…my opinion.

I went back and watched the RTN feed of Jailbird’s race.  The judges would have had a good head on replay and would have watched that right away, just after the quick photo finish process.  The presiding judge likely had that stretch drive pulled up on the large screen, and they were reviewing in that first minute. If it was a clear, unanimous agreement, then that can happen without going to an official inquiry.  I see that happen a lot.  Sort of an unofficial inquiry that they quickly see no issue and move on.  Again, I wasn’t there.  Just trying to explain the process as I have seen in other instances.

I really like what Harrah’s PA is appearing to do with the invitation for the public to directly ask the presiding judge.

Quote from Lonnie on August 19, 2026, 6:11 PM

Thank you, @bgtolex25

 

Quote from Purple Aura on August 29, 2026, 10:01 AM

 

 

Lots of videos now. I still #72

Quote from Purple Aura on August 29, 2026, 10:05 AM

https://www.lexingtonselected.com/cgi/ohio_video_sort_2026.php