The VAR of racetracks as an example of transparency: "I accept the fine, but if you have a horse, it happens to me"

• Rugby Transparency lessons from the TMO

The Jockey Club, the regulatory body for horse racing in Spain, had been handling an idea for some time that it was finally able to materialize on March 6, when the Movistar cameras entered the Commissioners' Room for the first time to broadcast the statements live. of the

before the judges.

An advance with which our

overtakes powers like England or France, which only reserve this privilege for their highest-ranking appointments.

Today, for the first time, the commissioners explain the details of a project that should inspire the future of Formula 1 or MotoGP, disciplines still tainted by obscurantism during their decision-making.

"The riders, in the best of cases, arrive nervous, because they have just gotten off a horse that was galloping at 70 km/h. We must decide in five minutes, because 20 minutes later everything must be ready in the

for the next race .

", tells this newspaper,

, one of the most prestigious curators in Spain.

at the same time

. There we have to moderate with a lot of left hand, so that they treat each other with respect and respect their turn to speak. Not so much for us, but because they can be portrayed when addressing the partner in a derogatory way. We must ensure that their image is not damaged", adds

, another of the judges consulted by EL MUNDO.

Leaving aside the wild debate about VAR in LaLiga, the truth is that our best example of transparency comes today from the racetracks.

"We are moved by a desire to disclose, so that the complexity of what happens inside is understood. Because the statements of those involved are not always objective. The code forces them to collaborate, but each one tries to bring the ember to their sardine ", details Reyero.

More than 300 articles and annexes

Of course, a regulation with more than 300 articles and annexes lends itself to multiple interpretations.

Especially regarding line changes, perhaps the most controversial point.

Here, as already happens on asphalt in motor sports, these obstacles, crashes or interference can

alter the fate of a race.

"We have to be convinced that the injured party would have been ahead to change the order of arrival. An intuition can never be enough for the sanction," says Reyero.

Before making such a critical decision, the most common punishments range from a financial fine to a

's riding ban .

Lesser evils with so much money and prestige at stake.

The example of what happened last Saturday at the San Isidro racecourse in Buenos Aires is enough, when a disqualification caused serious altercations, with insults and attacks on the judges and destruction of the facilities.

"Of course, on occasion the tone has been raised, but here we have never come to cases of violence, or unpleasant situations, or pressure," recalls González.

Without taking into account the volcanic character of Buenos Aires, the truth is that 135,000 euros were distributed in the aforementioned event.

And according to data from the Zarzuela Hippodrome, during the 237 races held throughout 2022 in our country, the average prize money will barely exceed 14,000 euros.

Sousa, on November 22, 2015 at Zarzuela. JOCKEY CLUB / EL MUNDO

In any case, the economic aspect has another derivative: that of betting on the field.

"If we take a long time to make a decision, there may be a loss for the organizer, who wastes time for the bets, but it is not the criterion that guides us," Reyero details.

"Sometimes, the statement taking is long and there is always a

who tells us that he has to change colors for his next race. And we have to tell him: 'No, don't worry'. A race has to start with a firm result of the previous one", reveals the veteran commissioner, who will deliver justice on the 30th, together with González, in the second round of the Santander Cup triptych, one of the most prestigious events on the calendar, with 122,400 euros distributed between San Sebastián, Madrid and Two Sisters.

For a long time, the commissioners have starred in curious scenes in the taking of the statement.

And the video that accompanies these lines -courtesy of Jockey Club- is enough to appreciate the intensity of the moment.

On November 22, 2015, after the Antonio Blasco GP held at the Zarzuela Hippodrome, Reyero had to deal with three of the most renowned riders on the national scene.

"What he has done is very ugly, but if they need me I'll come in here again," replied

, a Portuguese jockey, who had finished fourth on

, from the Cuadra Celso Méndez, that Sunday.

Even more conclusive was

, a true star in France, where he has won several victories in Group 1 competitions

. Cuadra Odisea won the 4,800 euros of the third prize.

Without forgetting the words of the Valencian

, awarded 9,600 euros at the finish line, for his second place with

, from the Cuadra Rober: "I accept the fine, but if he has a horse, it happens to me".

In addition to the rush and the bets, another of the most pressing concerns is the lack of technical means.

And it is that Telefónica Broadcast Services, the production company that lends its signal to Movistar, only enables four cameras, distributed along the rope.

Likewise, the one installed on the drone cannot always be enabled in Madrid.

In the first place, for security reasons, given its proximity to the Palace of the Royal Family.

Second, for atmospheric reasons.

"There are areas of the course that are less well covered, but we have to live with these limitations. There is an obvious difference with respect to other equestrian powers, such as the US or Japan," admits Reyero.

But if something now equates Spain with these "equestrian-developed" countries, it is this magnetic VAR in the Commissioners' Room.

"It hasn't changed us that much, but I think it has forced another effort on the

, who are known to be watched by many people. In fact, now I find a big difference compared to the first weeks of application," reveals González, without hiding his "satisfaction" with the way the producer treats the images.

"At first I was afraid that we would be surprised when we were debating and some phrase would be divulged out of context. For example, if a rider lies to us, the moment he leaves the room, one of us could say: 'What a trola he has us counted'. Nobody would want it to be broadcast and fortunately it doesn't happen, "he concludes.

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