CHRB: Modern Games Did Not Rear in Starting Gate

The California Horse Racing Board in a Nov. 8 statement said that upon review of available videos, Modern Games , victorious in the Nov. 5 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1T) at Del Mar in which he was scratched, unscratched, and then ran for purse money only, did not rear up in post 1 in the starting gate as had initially been reported to the CHRB by the veterinarians at the gate.

"The starter and assistant starter took protective steps by leading the horse out of the front of the gate," the statement added. "The horse did not break through the gate on its own, as was originally thought.

"The CHRB is conducting a full investigation of this matter."

ANGST: CHRB: Vet's Rash Call Triggered Modern Games Fiasco

CHRB executive director Scott Chaney said Friday that a veterinarian called the stewards to recommend the scratch even though no on-course exam had yet been conducted. Furthermore, the call was made under the false assumption, according to Chaney, that the horse had forcefully broken through the gate.

The gate was opened for Modern Games after his stablemate Albahr  flipped in post 2 and became lodged underneath the starting gate. 

Because Modern Games, who was the 9-5 favorite, had been scratched from the wagering pools, the stewards decided to allow him to race for purse money only after it was determined he had not broken through the gate and had not sustained any injury.