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| Staff Writer |
In the high-stakes world of horse racing, where fortunes can change in a matter of seconds, one man stands as a guardian of integrity and fairness. Samuel Shinsky, the Head of Integrity and Regulation and Chief Steward for the Emirates Racing Authority (ERA) is the quiet force ensuring that every race, from local meets to the prestigious Dubai World Cup, runs smoothly and fairly.
In an exclusive interview with TF Magazine, Shinsky pulls back the curtain on the complex and often unseen world of racing stewardship. Beginning his career relatively early, it was during his final year of school that Shinsky's interest in racing was ignited by his brother's work as a farrier, which led him to his calling as a steward.
Now, as the chief arbiter of racing integrity in the UAE, Shinsky brings a wealth of experience. His resume boasts stewarding at some of the most prestigious events in the racing calendar, including the Golden Slipper, the Melbourne Cup, and the Dubai World Cup.
But what does it take to be the eyes and ears of racing integrity? Shinsky's role is a delicate balance of observing, decision-making, and diplomacy. From the moment the official withdrawal time closes on race day, he and his team are on high alert, ready to address any query or issue that may arise. In an era where technology has made every race accessible to a global audience, the pressure to get every call right has never been higher.
Through Shinsky's eyes, we get a glimpse into the intense world behind the scenes of horse racing, where integrity is paramount, and every decision can spark controversy or acclaim. His story is one of passion for the sport of kings, dedication to fairness, and the constant pursuit of maintaining the highest standards in one of the world's most thrilling and unpredictable sports.
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My journey into the world of horse racing began quite late, during my final year of school. My brother, who is a farrier, ignited my interest in this fascinating field. Despite my uncertainty about what to pursue after school, my passion for sports and animals led me to complete a course in Horse Management through Melbourne University. This course was instrumental in helping me understand the basics of horse husbandry.
Following my studies, I started working in a racing stable, which provided invaluable hands-on experience. However, it wasn't long before the idea of becoming a steward intrigued me. The role combined my interests in sports, animal welfare, and regulatory oversight. This newfound ambition led me to pursue a traineeship with Racing NSW, setting the foundation for my career in racing integrity and regulation.
I have worked with two prominent authorities in Australia, Racing NSW and Racing Victoria, before joining the Emirates Racing Authority permanently in 2013. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to steward at many major race meetings in these jurisdictions, including the Golden Slipper, the Melbourne Cup, and the Dubai World Cup, among others. These experiences have provided me with a broad perspective and deep understanding of racing integrity and regulation across different regions.
I often get asked if I prepare differently for the World Cup meeting. I understand why, given the prestige and prize money on offer. However, to be honest, I prepare for the World Cup meeting exactly the same as I would for any other race meeting.
My team and I meet a few hours before the first race to run through all our queries and ensure we are aligned on how the day will proceed. It's crucial to confirm that any withdrawals, riding changes, and equipment changes have been announced. We also coordinate with the veterinary team to ensure they are aware of the horses to be sampled, particularly pre-race.
I personally inspect the track before the first race and check the scales, especially at venues where we operate with multiple weigh-in areas. This thorough and consistent approach helps maintain the integrity and smooth running of the event, regardless of its size or prestige.
The only protocol that really changes for the World Cup meeting is our procedures with the competing horses when they arrive in Dubai. This includes out-of-competition testing and thorough veterinary examinations. While we conduct these procedures at our regular meetings, they are not done to the same extent as for the World Cup, where all horses are subject to these stringent protocols.
A typical race day for a steward starts from the moment the official withdrawal time closes. Any late withdrawals must be approved by the stewards. Following this, any query at any point of the day from the Raceday team, veterinarians, clerks of scales, starters, judges, and other Raceday officials will be referred to the stewards for inquiry and adjudication.
Throughout the day, we are responsible for ensuring the integrity and smooth running of the event. Naturally, a lot of our focus is on the races themselves. Many aspects need to be observed and reviewed, including:
Horse Welfare: We closely monitor the condition and behaviour of the horses to ensure they are fit to race and are not experiencing any distress.
Jockeys' Conduct: Ensuring that jockeys are riding competitively yet safely is paramount. This includes observing their adherence to rules and any instances of foul play.
Performance Monitoring: We keep an eye on horses that perform below or above expectations, as this could indicate potential issues that need to be addressed.
Race Interference: Identifying and addressing any instances of interference during the race to ensure fair competition.
Objections: Handling any objections raised by jockeys or trainers regarding race incidents.
Post-Race Sampling: Coordinating with the veterinary team for post-race sampling to ensure no prohibited substances are involved.
By observing and managing these elements, we strive to uphold the highest standards of racing integrity and fairness.
Yes, of course, this is why we are employed as stewards—to ensure the integrity and fairness of the races. We approach every race, including the World Cup, with the same diligence and attention to detail as we do for regular race meetings in the UAE.
Over the years, we have indeed faced challenging situations, including objections and race falls. Each decision we make as stewards is guided by the Rules of Racing. When confronted with controversial or difficult decisions, our approach is systematic and thorough. We rely on a few key principles:
Rule Adherence: We strictly follow the Rules of Racing, which provide a clear framework for decision-making. This ensures that our judgements are consistent and fair.
Evidence Review: We carefully review all available evidence, including race footage, veterinary reports, and eyewitness accounts. This helps us gain a comprehensive understanding of the incident.
Team Collaboration: Decisions are made collectively by the panel of stewards. This collaborative approach pulls the experience and perspectives of multiple officials, leading to well-rounded and considered outcomes.
Transparency: We ensure that our decisions and the reasoning behind them are communicated clearly via our Steward Report, which is published on the ERA website upon completion of a race meeting. Transparency is crucial in maintaining trust in our role and the integrity of the sport.
Ultimately, our goal is to uphold the principles of fair play and safety for both the horses and the participants, ensuring that the integrity of the race is always maintained.
Technology has made our role easier in several areas. With better-quality footage of the races, sectional times, and additional information, we can make more informed and accurate decisions. Enhanced video quality allows us to review races in greater detail, ensuring we catch any incidents requiring our attention. Access to detailed sectional times also helps us understand the performance and speed of horses throughout the race.
I wouldn't say technology introduces challenges, but it raises the stakes in terms of accuracy. Much of this information is also available to the general public, making it crucial that the stewards' decisions are correct and that nothing obvious is missed. The transparency and availability of data mean that our role requires even greater precision and thoroughness to maintain the integrity of the sport.
Horse welfare is extremely important in a steward's decision-making process. Firstly, we must remember that our sport cannot exist without the horses. As an industry, we are entrusted to do the right thing by the animal. Ensuring their well-being is paramount to maintaining the integrity and sustainability of horse racing.
An example where horse welfare is a major consideration would be at the starting gates. Although there is a lot of pressure to ensure a horse runs, particularly in high-value races, when there is an identified issue with a horse, we will always err on the side of caution. This cautious approach is crucial for several reasons:
Overall Health of the Horse: Running a horse with an issue could aggravate the problem, leading to long-term health issues.
Safety of the Jockey: An unfit horse poses a significant risk to the jockey's safety, as well as to others in the race.
Performance: Allowing a compromised horse to race can negatively affect its overall performance, which is unfair to the horse and anyone with an invested interest in its performance.
By prioritising horse welfare in our decisions, we ensure the sport remains ethical and sustainable, protecting both the animals and the people involved.
The most common fouls we encounter are careless riding and whip breaches. In the UAE, we take a strong stance on careless riding because it endangers both horses and riders, and it can also potentially affect the outcome of a race. Ensuring that jockeys ride responsibly is essential for maintaining safety and fairness on the track.
Whip usage has also come into prominence over the last 15 years. Its perception has shifted, with many considering it unacceptable due to concerns over animal welfare. We do allow for whip use within a race; however, it is governed strictly by our rules, with the most relevant rule stipulating that a jockey may not use their whip more than 12 times during a race.
Both fouls can compromise the fairness of the competition. Careless riding can lead to interference among horses, affecting their chances and the overall outcome. Similarly, improper whip use can undermine the true competitive spirit of racing. By actively monitoring and addressing these issues, we strive to uphold the integrity of the sport.
Absolutely. Each racing authority or jurisdiction has variances in its rules, so it's imperative that we communicate our major regulations clearly to visiting trainers and jockeys. Fortunately, we often deal with professionals who are no strangers to international travel and are well-versed in understanding these differences.
To facilitate this, we make every effort to ensure that all relevant licensees understand the rules, whether in Arabic, English, French, or Japanese. We also provide documentation of the main rules and policies to further support their understanding. This proactive approach helps to minimise misunderstandings and ensure compliance.
Absolutely, stewarding is very much a collaborative effort. Under the ERA Rules, we require a minimum of three stewards to conduct a race meeting, which requires effective teamwork. When decisions are made, they are determined by a majority vote, ensuring that all views are considered.
I strongly believe in allowing my stewards' panel to express their opinions, as each steward may view an incident differently. This diversity of viewpoints is invaluable in our decision-making process. Beyond that, we work closely as a team to run the meeting, with each steward assigned specific roles and responsibilities. This structured approach helps us ensure that all aspects of the race day are covered effectively, contributing to the overall integrity and smooth operation of the event.
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Collaboration with other officials is crucial to ensuring a smooth race meeting. Our work begins well before the race day, involving extensive coordination with various teams to ensure everything is in place.
As stewards, we work closely with veterinarians, clerks of scales, starters, judges, and other Raceday officials. Throughout the meeting, we maintain open lines of communication and stay in constant connection via radios. This way, we can effectively manage race day operations and uphold the integrity and fairness of the competition.
Of course, but it should be noted that the role of a steward is not for everyone, and a major part of it is experience. You can't fast-track your learning; it takes time. Over the years, you develop a certain intuition or "sixth sense" that comes with being exposed to countless races and situations. This intuition helps you make quick, informed decisions during high-pressure moments. It also helps to have a deep passion for the sport. If you are interested in something, it will come to you more naturally.
Working in the sporting industry brings the opportunity to interact with a wide range of people, which is incredibly rewarding. During events like the World Cup, one of the most fulfilling aspects is witnessing some of the best horses in the world compete.
We are there to make informed decisions, but inevitably, there will be people who disagree with some of our calls. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that the correct information and reasoning behind our decisions are effectively communicated to the industry.
In high-profile events like the Dubai World Cup, the stakes are even higher, and the scrutiny is more intense. Misinterpretations or miscommunications can occur, and it can be challenging to manage these situations. We need to ensure that our decisions are transparent and well-understood by all.
I feel the role of stewards in horse racing is likely to evolve significantly, driven by advancements in technology and increased collaboration between leading racing authorities. Technology will continue to play a crucial role in helping us make more informed decisions. Enhanced video replay systems and real-time data analytics will provide us with even greater insights into races, allowing for more precise and accurate judgements. Technology will also aid in improving transparency and communication with the industry and the public. Digital platforms could be used to disseminate information quickly and clearly, reducing misunderstandings and increasing the overall trust in stewarding decisions.
Increased collaboration between leading racing authorities worldwide by sharing best practices and harmonising rules and regulations can help raise the standard of stewarding globally.
Samuel Shinsky is the Head of Integrity and Regulation and Chief Steward.
The primary objective of the Integrity and Regulation Department is to uphold the integrity of racing activities, encompassing both the broader scope of racing and the specific context of race meetings within the UAE through the employment of stewards.
In pursuit of this mandate, the stewards operate under a well-defined charter aimed at overseeing the racing sector’s operations and guaranteeing the adherence of all involved industry participants to the established Regulations of Racing and Instructions of the Emirates Racing Authority (ERA).
Furthermore, the Stewards / Integrity and Regulation Department assumes the responsibility of ensuring the safety and optimal conditions for all participants within the industry. This involves fostering a secure operational environment that ensures the welfare of horses and riders alike.
The Stewards / Integrity Department is also entrusted with overseeing the comprehensive rule review process founded by the ERA. Additionally, they play a pivotal role in approving all industry licenses to ensure compliance with the relevant Rules and Regulations, contributing to the efficient functioning of the licensing procedures.