11/18/2003

Distances in Europe are not always what they seem

We have argued before that race times and distances in Europe should be taken with a large pinch of salt. So the result of the Premio Roma at Capanelle racecourse in Italy last Sunday, won by English trainer Mick Channon's Imperial Dancer, was no surprise.

Listed as a mile and a quarter on apparently bottomless ground, the time was recorded as 2:01/3.....very respectable in North America on fast ground, but totally impossible under these conditions.

Therefore we must assume that the local trackman just moved the gate, because he didn't want to create ruts in his turf by starting every mile and a quarter race in the same place. This makes sense, for turf preservation. But, depending upon whether the start was advanced or retreated, it could have made as much as 50 yards difference to the length of the race: shorter or longer....a nightmare for losers of photo finishes and disciples of Andy Beyer, Timeform and co.

So,when in Rome, beware of distance and time!And certainly don't pay attention to 'Toga' figures!!!