Can anyone out there tell me if the only reason for a saddle to slip is that the girth strap wasn't tightened to the correct 'tension', or can there be other causes?

Also, who has the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the horse's gear is fitted correctly, the trainer, the strapper, etc.?

Apart from mentioning the fact in their report, the stewards don't seem to hand out any penalty (fine etc.). Is it just accepted as 'one of those things that happen in racing'?

Given the amount of $$s that go down the gurgler when a horse is a runner but has no realistic chance, plus the danger the jockey faces, it seems to me that everyone is very accepting of the saddle slipping - no fuss made at all & no-one seems to be held accountable.

Would it be feasible to declare horses 'non starters' when the saddle slips, in the same way horses can be non runners if there has been some mishap at the barrier?

(Sorry for this rambling post, but my hip pocket nerve is hurting after a black day yesterday)

bb