Kauto Start/Imperial Commander photo

Double_choc_lab

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Not really sure if this was such a clear cut win. Looking at the photo is Kauto (closest) really a whole "nose" ahead of Imperial Commander (stars on jacket) Apparently the photo wasn't published straight after the race which has led to some people saying it's a conspiracy - bit far fetched me thinks but still wonder if it should have been called a dead heat.
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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/racing/...-photo-row.html
 
I also think Kauto is in front, definitely not by a whole nose but he is in front. Had the line been a couple of strides further on I think Imperial Commander would have had him but imo Kauto was definitely the winner.
 
Kauto definitely got it, though only by a nose. A pity that someone had to be second, and neither deserved to lose.

It would have been a dead heat a few years ago!
 
Hi,

It is looked at pixel by pixel.....the term "won by a nose" is a BHA official term - won by a pixel doesn't quite sound the same!

Copies of the photo have been sent to the owners and trainer with compliments of the firm who provide the photo finish service - the reason that they weren't given them on the day is simply that no one asked for more pictures and to be fair, the specialist printers are in use till after racing anyway!

Personally tho, IP had it for me! can he go the extra 4 furlongs of the Gold Cup tho???? think he'll get beat on Boxing Day at Kempton, but he is a lovely stamp of horse.....

Overall, there are a handful of dead heats per year, but these are decreasing all the time as the technology gets better and better and the kit at Haydock on Saturday was the very latest and greatest - installed when they did the changes to the track last year, so dead heats now virtually impossible there - shame, really!
 
I saw this on the Racing Post website. The photo is not the one the judges looked at. It is a mirror-image taken by the official photographer. The other one, with Kauto on the far side was shown on BBC's Aintree coverage. IMO, both show KS getting his nose in front.
 
Kauto Star was the true winner by a nose. Shame for Imperial Commander who I thought looked burly pre-race and will come on loads for the run.
I agree about doubts over the Gold Cup trip though in a true race on a better ground but think he may be an ideal winner of the race formerly known as the Pillar Property chase at Cheltenham in January which is a well regarded Gold Cup trial.
 
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