Best Turned out - what a joke!
I was surprised and disappointed at Sandown the other week, when the BTO was awarded to a half clipped, non-plaited horse - especially when there were other horses (including my horse) who had been.
However today at Bangor was just unbelievable and actually embarrassing!! Eva’s Oscar (not my horse) had been turned out beautifully, his mane and tail had been plaited, which from someone who has watched this skill being performed takes time and patience, and I applaude those who are so skilled. However - whoever was making the BTO decision awarded it to a horse that was barely brushed, had mud on its hocks and front legs and in all honesty looked the least BTO in mine (and many others) opinion of the 7 horses in the race. When the winner was announced there was an audible gasp from within the paddock. You can’t be serious??!!!
I know how much these lads and lasses earn a week, and if they are prepared to take the time and skill to turn their horses out so well, surely they deserve to at least be shown the respect to have the BTO judged by someone who actually knows what they are looking at. That prize money, I’m sure, would have been a financial boost to Eva’s Oscars lad, and it must be so demoralising for them when they see who they are beaten by! Why do racecourses not recognise this skill and choose to totally devalue the lads or lasses work and treat is with such disregard. As an owner I think it is absolutely shameful.
I will be writing to the racecourse and if necessary the BHA.
I was invited to a box at Fontwell where these lads had a runner....They said weve got to go pick "the best turned out" Guess they sponsored the race...I asked how will you chose ? The reply was "The best looking girl leading up"..Was a shock to me @ the time as foolishly I allways thought it was based on an equestrian view.