I tend to agree with Neil on this one,jockeys are only human,and as humans we all can and do make errors in judgement at times.I would not be so naive as to imply that the racing industry is squeaky clean,but with all the modern technology available to stewards it is not easy to get away with anymore.However,any industry that generates so much money will always be susceptible to corruption.Look at Renee Rivkin or Steve Vizard,both high profile players who made errors in judgement.A few glaring examples of errors in judgement that spring to mind........

1)Shane Dyes ride on Veandercross

2)Jim Cassidy's ride on Diatribe

3)Darren Beadman's ride on Lohnro at his last start

I would not suggest that all jockeys are totally honest,or that every horse in every race is "trying".Apart from the high profile jockeys I would think that most(or a very high percentage)of jockeys are battlers only making a wage.Personally I will not bet on a horse ridden by an apprentice unless the kid has shown by previous rides(consistently)that he/she is above average.I did not see the ride in question,but IMO Pearson is not above average.Jockeys on the whole seem to be a downtrodden lot always wide open to critiscism.I can recall many years ago the late Bill Collins(R.I.P.)referring to 25 year old Roy Higgins as "the boy"during a race call.How demeaning is that?
Neil is so right about the split second decision being the difference between winning or losing.
IMO the only sensible way to keep in front of this racing game is to stick with the best jockeys riding the best horses from the best stables.Do your homework,and if you consider a certain ride to be questionable,make it a point not to back any horse ridden by that hoop again.It' s your call and your money.Personally I can forgive a top jockey an error in judgement here and there,we all make them.

Hoofnote......
IMO high profile owners or trainers should NOT have any more access to the stewards or the media than a battling trainer has.But they obviously do.If I had been the owner of the horse in question,I would have rang the jockey first and asked for a "please explain" before taking it anywhere else.By taking the path this owner did,he has cast doubts on the honesty and integrity of young Willie Pearson,which will only serve to make it harder for this young man to get rides and make a living.
It is all to easy to become an armchair critic/jockey.
IMO it is vitally important to look at what you consider to be a bad ride objectively,and NOT THRU your pocket.

Apologies for this post being so long winded,but it ruffles my feathers somewhat when jockeys are constantly critiscised by people talking thru their pockets.If you look at it objectively,maybe you will find it was you who made the error in judgement by backing the wrong horse!

cheers

Gday X

I didnt see the race (was at work) but without seeing the race I would have to say the "Form" Horse did win... it paid $1.40... Or am I missing something..

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