The most crucial part of any race is of course, its finish – marked by a winning post – but very few people viewing the finish of a race really know or understand the complexity of the process which is entailed in determining the “winner”.

As part of their learning, the SLTC Apprentice School students complete a module on “Judging the Finish” – which delves into the mechanisms behind the scenes which ensure the correct race result is determined then broadcast.

SLTC Judges Gregory Yin Lun & Philip Wong assisted by MRA Chief Handicapper Jason Prime Jnanaprakasam gave the students a ‘hands on’ exposure to every aspect employed in the Judging of a finish of a race at a recent Selangor race day.

Whilst keen to observe, the Apprentices became slightly distracted when five of their colleagues won races – but quickly refocused

when the Official Judges demonstrated the use of the ‘mirror image’  (which aligns horse noses) before declared a dead-heat for fourth place in one of the races.

Jason Prime highlighted small issues which can impact on photo finish quality and thus results determination, such as poor lighting, obscured numbers, incorrect racing colours and even flying birds getting in on the act!  

Although the students took away souvenir copies of photo finishes – they departed with a greater understanding of the complexity and pressure under which the SLTC Official Judges operate on race days to ensure correct and quick race results are determined and disseminated globally.   

“When you’re riding, only the race in which you’re riding is important.”

Bill Shoemaker, USA Hall of Fame Jockey, 8833 winners

Poetic Guest